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The midterm elections are less than a month away, and we find ourselves yet again in a highly polarized, contentious environment. We can't turn on the radio or the tv without hearing a political ad, and most of them are mean-spirited and filled with misinformation and misleading statements. I, for one, can't turn them off fast enough. With that being said, it is our obligation as Catholics, people of faith who believe in the dignity of every single person, to be engaged in the political system of our community. We must speak up for what is right, just, and compassionate, taking special care to seek support for those who are poor, marginalized, ignored, and written off. As Pope Francis wrote in Fratelli Tutti, we seek “a better kind of politics, one truly at the service of the common good.” (no. 154)
While we can't tell you for whom to vote, we can encourage you to vote and offer you resources to help you and your community as you prayerfully form your consciences to guide when you complete your ballot.
Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship - English | Espanol
The US bishops first released this document 40 years ago, and it has been updated multiple times, most recently in 2020 when they added a new introductory letter.
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. (Intro to FCFC website)
Ohio Bishops Statement on Voting
Guidance from our state bishops
iVoteCatholic
A resourced developed here in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati offering resources for people, families of parishes, educators, and liturgists connecting Catholic Social Teaching to our upcoming elections
Resources for parishes and schools
From the USCCB
Civilize It
A pledge to Clarity, Charity, and Creativity in our political involvement
Braver Angels
A locally founded, now nationally engaged partner seeking to bring people together
If you have any questions, please let us know.
Thanks for your commitment to building up God's kingdom.
We pray...
Lord God, as the election approaches, we seek to better understand the issues and concerns that confront our city/state/country, and how the Gospel compels us to respond as faithful citizens in our community.
We ask for eyes that are free from blindness so that we might see each other as brothers and sisters, one and equal in dignity, especially those who are victims of abuse and violence, deceit and poverty.
We ask for ears that will hear the cries of children unborn and those abandoned, men and women oppressed because of race or creed, religion or gender.
We ask for minds and hearts that are open to hearing the voice of leaders who will bring us closer to your Kingdom.
We pray for discernment so that we may choose leaders who hear your Word, live your love, and keep in the ways of your truth as they follow in the steps of Jesus and his Apostles and guide us to your Kingdom of justice and peace.
We ask this in the name of your Son Jesus Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
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