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Forming Consciences For Faithful Citizenship - Table Of Contents
- Introductory Note
- Part I - The U.S. Bishops' Reflection on Catholic Teaching and Political Life
- Part II - Applying Catholic Teaching to Major Issues: A Summary of Policy Positions of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
- Part III - Goals for Political Life: Challenges for Citizens, Candidates, and Public Officials
- Notes and References
- Major Catholic Statements on Public Moral Issues
PDF VERSION | ORDER
The document Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States and its Introductory Note were developed by the chairmen, in consultation with the membership, of the Committees on Catholic Education, Communications, Cultural Diversity in the Church, Doctrine, Domestic Justice and Human Development, Evangelization and Catechesis, International Justice and Peace, Migration, Pro-Life Activities; the Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage; and the Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). It was approved by the full body of bishops at its November 2015 General Meeting. It has been directed for publication by the undersigned.
Msgr. Ronny E. Jenkins
General Secretary, USCCB
"We need to participate for the common good. Sometimes we hear: a good Catholic is not interested in politics. This is not true: good Catholics immerse themselves in politics by offering the best of themselves so that the leader can govern."
- Pope Francis, 9/16/13
The Catholic bishops of the United States are pleased to offer once again to the Catholic faithful Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship (en Español), our teaching document on the political responsibility of Catholics. This statement represents our guidance for Catholics in the exercise of their rights and duties as participants in our democracy. We urge our pastors, lay and religious faithful, and all people of good will to use this statement to help form their consciences; to teach those entrusted to their care; to contribute to civil and respectful public dialogue; and to shape political choices in the coming election in light of Catholic teaching. The statement lifts up our dual heritage as both faithful Catholics and American citizens with rights and duties as participants in the civil order.
Read Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States (en Español), which provides a framework for Catholics in the United States.
Top Forming Consciences Resources
- Summary Bulletin Insert Part 1 - The Challenge of Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: Our Call as Catholic Citizens | en Español
- Summary Bulletin Insert Part 2 - The Challenge of Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: Making Moral Choices and Applying Our Principles | en Español
- Civil Dialogue Bulletin Insert | en Español
- Conscience Formation Bulletin Insert | en Español
- How to Contact Your Elected Officials Bulletin Insert | en Español
- Novena for Faithful Citizenship | en Español
- Liturgy and Prayer Suggestions | en Español
- Do's and Don'ts Guidelines During Election Season
- Voter Education and Voter Registration | en Español
- Questions for Reflection and Discussion of Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship | en Español
- Bulletin Announcements | en Español
- Political Activity Guidelines
- Tips for Conducting Candidate Forums | en Español
- Adult Education and Small Faith Community Sharing | Formación de adultos y pequeñas comunidades de fe
- Jr. High and High School Lesson Plans | Ejemplos de esquemas de lecciones y materiales para estudiantes de secundaria
- Elementary Lesson Plans | Esquemas de lecciones para escuelas de primaria
RESOURCES
Learn how Catholics across the country are putting their faith into action through civic engagement with Success Stories from WeAreSaltandLight.org. . . .
Visit the menu to the left for resources related to Church Teaching, All Catholics,Diocesan & Community Leaders, Parishes & Schools, Campuses & Young Adults,Youth, and Media.
For older letters, documents, articles, etc., please see the Faithful Citizenship archives.
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