“In the Catholic tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue; participation in the political process is a moral obligation. All believers are called to faithful citizenship, to become informed, active, and responsible participants in the political process.”
- From a statement of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility/ (en Español)
Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: This statement represents our guidance for Catholics in the exercise of their rights and duties as participants in our democracy. 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.
Election Resources
California voters will be asked to vote on 12 statewide ballot measures in the 2020 General Election on November 3, 2020. As faithful citizens we are called to make informed voting decisions based on a clear understanding of our faith and a deep appreciation of life, the common good, solidarity, care for the poor and the other principles of faith and morals that are to guide our life. Below are descriptions of each proposition with clear background, non-partisan analysis and a sampling of the principles of Catholic social teaching to help us in that discernment. 2020 Ballot measure guide (Spanish).
Bishops urge no on Proposition 14 & 20 (Spanish)
WATCH:
- Bishop Jaime Soto on Proposition 14: English | Spanish
- Bishop Jaime Soto on Proposition 20: English | Spanish
Guidelines
Guidelines for Political Activity (USCCB)
Guidelines for Political Materials (California Catholic Conference of Bishops)
Frequently Asked Questions/ (en Español)
Resources
Forming Faithful Citizenship (Part I) Bulletin Insert/ (en Español)
Forming Faithful Citizenship (Part II) Bulletin Insert/(en Español)
General Resources for All Catholics
Catholics Care Bulletin Insert/ (en Español)
Civilize It: The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has launched a campaign inviting Catholics to model civility and love for neighbor throughout the year. Civilize It: Dignity Beyond the Debate will ask Catholics to pledge civility, clarity, and compassion in their families, communities, and parishes, and call on others to do so as well. Find out more information and resources to share with your community at CivilizeIt.org