God, Politics, & Faithful Citizenship

Dear CIOT Participants,

Happy New Year! On Monday we will discuss further our schedule of topics for 2008, as well as have a discussion to kick-off the election year. The political campaigns have moved into high gear, and the primary season is upon us. Although we will doubtless discuss some specific policy issues in the months before the election in November, it is perhaps a good time to cover some general issues that inform Catholic voters.

The timing is especially good because, in November, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a new statement, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship. The release is, without doubt, intended to inform Catholics during this election year. It is a "general" document rather than one of specific policy issues. In addition, I've included a summary of the document as well as two Catholic voter's guides from 2006 that differ substantially from one another. New guides will doubtless be released before this fall, but in the meantime, these older ones should serve to remind us of the differing stances taken on the issues by various Catholic groups.

With warm wishes,
John

USCCB November Statement, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship

• USCCB full statement on faithful citizenship  (English) (Spanish)
• There is a two-page pamphlet that summarizes the statement for quick reference (although I do recommend reading the full statement carefully)
• The same pamphlet is available in a larger typeface, with more generous spacing

Two Catholic Voting Guides (each with a different flavor...)

• Voters Guide for Serious Catholics
• Voting for the Common Good