“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), their teaching document on the political responsibility of Catholics. This statement represents the bishops’ guidance for Catholics in the exercise of their rights and duties as participants in our democracy. The bishops encourage 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 (Leer) 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.
Distribute (Distribuir) the two bulletin inserts that provide a summary of Faithful Citizenship.
- The Challenge of Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: Part I Part II
- El Reto de Formar la Conciencia para ser Ciudadanos Fieles: Parte I Parte II
Learn More (Aprender Más) and find resources at www.faithfulcitizenship.org
Watch and share (Ver y Compartir) the following short videos (in English and Spanish) which highlight important elements of Faithful Citizenship. Please note the last video in the series, “Faithful Citizens Work with Christ as He Builds His Kingdom,” is longer as it is a compilation of the first four videos.