"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 following message was written in anticipation of the 2020 election, but continues to offer information for those seeking guidance on forming one's conscience before casting a ballot.
Once again, we find ourselves in a very polarized election cycle with candidates that do not reflect the complete breadth of Catholic moral teaching. Yet, it is our solemn duty as citizens of our republic to cast a vote for the candidate who best supports the greatest ideals and moral teachings of our Catholic faith, the faith that we hold and practice as the means of our personal salvation and as a benefit for the common good of the pluralistic society in which we live.
In casting our ballot, whether for those already proposed by a particular party or for those we choose to write in, we must have properly formed consciences. A properly formed conscience comes through prayer, Scripture and studying the teaching of the Church that is promoted and protected by the apostles and their successors, the bishops. This well-formed conscience seeks to understand the truth and allows itself to be guided by the Holy Spirit. A well-formed conscience is devoted to doing God’s will more than it is to supporting any particular political party.
Catholic Conference of Ohio Election issues page
Catholic voters are called to properly form their consciences in preparation for voting and for the continued advocacy for just laws and policies required after voting.
Faithful Citizenship webpage
Find resources, documents and articles on the USCCB's Faithful Citizenship campaign.
Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship document
This is the USCCB's teaching document on the political responsibility of Catholics. This statement represents our guidance for Catholics in the exercise of their rights and duties as participants in our democracy.
Many of the resource links below contain information in both English and Spanish.
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