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As important local, state, and national elections approach, the Archdiocese of New Orleans is launching an informational campaign to educate Catholics on their responsibility to exercise their right to vote with a properly formed conscience. Using resources based on the US Bishops’ document “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship” the archdiocese will share through the Clarion Herald and digital communications resources about the roles and responsibilities of Catholic clergy, religious, and laity in public life, how to properly form one’s conscience, and how to have civil dialogue in political debate. -
Prayer for Conscience Formation
I praise you Lord for creating me in your divine image. Thank you for giving me a free will to know you and love you. Open my heart to your teachings and help me to form my conscience according to your will. Please strengthen me with the virtues of faith, hope, love, and especially prudence. Grant me your loving guidance each day and send me the graces to always do your will, even when most difficult. Amen.
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Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship
- Introductory Note
- Part I - The U.S. Bishops’ Reflection on Catholic Teaching and Political Life
- Part II - Applying Catholic Teaching to Major Issues
- Part III - Goals for Political Life: Challenges for Citizens, Candidates, and Public Officials
- Notes and References
- Major Catholic Statements on Public Life and Moral Issues
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"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 USCCB has prepared useful summaries of the important points of Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship. All are encouraged to read these summaries before the local, state, and national elections. The summary is in two parts and available in English and in Spanish.The Challenge of Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship – Part 1 ( English) ( Spanish)
The Challenge of Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship – Part 11 ( English) ( Spanish)Issues of Public Policy Concern for Catholics:
- Address the preeminent requirement to protect human life
- Protect the fundamental understanding of marriage as a life-long commitment between a man and a woman
- Achieve comprehensive immigration reform
- Help families and children overcome poverty and ensure access to education
- Ensure full conscience protection and religious freedom
- Provide healthcare that respects human life and dignity
- Oppose unjust discrimination
- Establish and comply with moral limits on military force
- Pursue peace, protect human rights and religious liberty, and advance economic justice and care for creation.