A Message for Bishop O'Connell on voting and Catholic Witness

A Message from Bishop O’Connell

[abridged—Full text here and on Diocese of Trenton Website]

The Church’s obligation to participate in shaping the moral character of society is a requirement of our faith (USCCB, “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States,” 2020, no. 9).

In the Catholic Tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue and participation is a moral obligation … rooted in our baptismal commitment to follow Jesus Christ and to bear Christian witness in all we do (ibid., no. 13).

While there are many human moral issues before us and that surface especially in every election cycle, it is important to note that not every moral issue is of equal significance. Using “FCFC” [Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship] as source material, here are some of the most important moral issues that the Church believes and teaches and that, in accordance with a good and well-formed conscience, every Catholic should seriously consider and take into account in decisions they make:

1. Issues that directly affect human life. Every human life is sacred, from conception to natural death. That has been and remains firm Catholic teaching based upon sound human reasoning and is, therefore, our most basic principle as Catholics. “FCFC” asserts that “The threat of abortion remains our preeminent priority because it directly attacks life itself, because it takes place within the sanctuary of the family, and because of the number of lives destroyed. At the same time, we cannot dismiss or ignore other serious threats to human life and dignity such as racism, the environmental crisis, poverty and the death penalty…Additionally, abortion contaminates many other important issues by being inserted into legislation regarding euthanasia and assisted suicide, embryonic stem-cell research, immigration, care for the poor, and health care reform (Introductory Letter).

2. Religious liberty. The US Constitution protects religious liberty in its First Amendment. It includes not only our freedom to worship but also our freedom to believe in and practice our faith as Americans … or not to believe! Every effort should be made to preserve and support religious liberty. Individuals and communities of faith should not be subject to religious persecution.

3. Traditional marriage and family life. There has been and continues to be a growing movement in our country to “redefine marriage.” The Church teaches that the faithful union of one man and one woman is the foundation of the family and, as an essential core element of a flourishing society and Church, traditional marriage and family life must be protected and preserved.

4. The disparity between rich and poor. Most of the world’s resources are in the hands of a small percentage of its people. Federal budgets have moral implications and should prioritize the poorest and most vulnerable among us. Unemployment, homelessness, and inadequate housing…especially in major population centers, and need to be confronted and addressed to ensure economic justice for all.

5. Immigration reform. Undocumented persons in the United States deserve respect and human compassion. There has been and remains an ongoing immigration problem in our country that requires a humane solution by our elected government leaders.

6. Racism and inequality. The Church opposes “all oppression and all injustice.” The elimination of racism, bigotry, discrimination, and inequality is a goal to be achieved in our lifetimes.

7. Violence, hatred, and crime. Society has a duty to protect and defend its members against violence, hatred, and crime. “Violence cannot be overcome by violence. Violence is overcome by peace!”

8. Protection of the Environment. Pope Francis has declared “Never have we so hurt and mistreated our common home as we have in the last 200 years. ... We are not God. The earth was here before us and was given to us. ... The idea of unlimited growth, which proves so attractive to economists, financiers and experts in technology … is based on the lie that there is an infinite supply of the earth’s goods and leads to the planets being squeezed dry at every limit.” Progress in protecting the environment lies in our hands but especially in the hands of those who govern us.

The preceding headings do not represent an exhaustive list of moral issues of major concern to the Catholic Church in our country. War and peace, international relations, educational choice, health care reform, use of print, broadcast and electronic media and a host of other moral and social concerns warrant our attention as Catholics. Careful study, civil dialogue and prayerful reflection should accompany our decision making as we consider our support for political parties and candidates for political office.

May God in whom we trust bless the United States of America, and may we, as Catholics, form our consciences for the exercise of faithful citizenship!