By Kateri Mancini, diocesan director of Social Concerns
and Jules Miyazaki, Social Concerns/CCHD intern
As Catholic citizens, it is crucial to be politically engaged and exercise our right to determine the future of our nation through the voting process. When looking at the voting process through a Catholic lens, a distinct call to action arises with a centralized focus on the dignity of each person and the Common Good of all God’s creation.
The divisive state of the nation cannot be healed until people, regardless of their political beliefs, begin to recognize and honor each other first as human beings. Our faith provides the context and rich tradition. It is upon this foundation of love, coupled with continuously witnessing each other’s inherent dignity, where connections can form and collaborative work on the pressing concerns of the nation begin.
In addition, we are called to integrate our beliefs and values when choosing which candidate to vote for or how to respond to other questions on the ballot. The political reality of the nation challenges its citizens with the opportunity to become active members in structuring its future. This opportunity is both a privilege and a right – something Catholics are asked not to ignore.
Our Catholic faith is calling us to participate in the public and political sphere. By doing so, we can effectively share the message of God through advocacy, draw concerns towards faith-based justice, and live out our faith authentically. Through forming our consciences for Catholic citizenship, we will be ready to rise to the opportunity and be active participants in peaceful elections this November.
Learn more about the call to Faithful Citizenship at: Forming Conscience for Catholic Citizenship.
Dignity of Each Person
As Catholics, we are called to uphold the dignity of and respect for each person. Not only does this inform the way we approach issues and candidates, but also calls for a radical acceptance of those who may have differing values and beliefs. By first recognizing the inherent dignity of the person standing before us, we will be better equipped to navigate constructive conversations surrounding critical issues.
Responsibility to Civic Engagement
As Catholic citizens, we are responsible for integrating Catholic beliefs in our engagement in the political sphere. We know that there is no political party that encompasses all of our Catholic values and beliefs, nor perfectly upholds Catholic Social Teaching. Nonetheless, we are called to learn and pray about the issues and candidates, and choose the best option according to our conscience. This choice may differ from Catholic to Catholic, and that is ok. The important part is to learn, pray, and vote!
Focus on the Common Good
In this political climate, it is crucial to remain focused on the Common Good of the community. A method of confronting social justice issues is through a combination of advocacy, education, and accompanying those on the margins in society. Allow this to inform your voting, but don’t forget that it will remain critical even after the elections, regardless of who wins. Let us hold fast to this call all year long!
Preparing to Vote
As you prepare to vote before the election, make sure to do your research on the candidates and issues, prayerfully reflect on which persons you think will direct the nation and your local community toward a more just society, and be aware of your voting options. You also need to be sure you are vote ready, by checking your registration, polling locations and hours, viewing your ballot ahead of time, and having any necessary documentation.
Find information on these pieces at our Voters Guide.