faithful citizenship

“In these final days before the regular session ends May 17, Catholic laity continue advocating to uphold life, dignity and the common good. But not only are people in the pews speaking out, so are our shepherds.”

Hundreds of Catholics from nearly every legislative district across Minnesota answered that call to be missionary disciples by meeting with their legislators via Zoom.

Headlining the event this year are Archbishop Jose Gomez, archbishop of Los Angeles and current president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Obianuju Ekeocha, founder and president of Culture of Life Africa.

Bishop Robert W. McElroy of San Diego warned against the “weaponization of Eucharist” as a way to get Catholic elected officials, President Joe Biden among them, to adhere to the church’s stance on abortion.

Archbishop Gomez also said in a Jan. 20 statement that he was praying for Biden, the country’s second Catholic president, as he enters office so that God grants “him wisdom and courage to lead this great nation and … to meet the tests of these times.”

Featured speakers are Los Angeles Archbishop José Gomez, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Obianuju Ekeocha, a pro-life advocate and founder of Culture of Life Africa.

Archbishop Gomez said he believes “at this moment in American history, Catholics have a special duty to be peacemakers, to promote fraternity and mutual trust, and to pray for a renewed spirit of true patriotism in our country.”

“Catholics ought never to disagree in regard to moral principles, but they can indeed legitimately disagree about the best means to instantiate those principles.”