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In light of the approaching fall elections and the subsequent Texas Legislative Session, Patterson discussed the virtues of active civic participation as part of our Catholic tradition, highlighted some of the major policy issues facing the state, and encouraged everyone--both as Catholics and as responsible citizens--to act on our faith in advocating for issues that affect the common good. "The Church refuses to tell Catholics how to vote," Patterson said, "but instead asks each person to make their civic decisions by way of properly formed conscience."
Click here to view his talk.
The Texas Catholic Conference is the official public policy voice of the 15 Catholic dioceses of Texas.
The USCCB is interested in ensuring that all Catholics participate in the political process and are educated in where the Church stands on the issues of the day. They say
We vote because we are citizens. But we vote conscientiously because we are people of faith. Our consciences are formed through studying Scripture and the teachings of the Church, examination of the facts, and prayerful reflection.
There are many issues that face American voters. The Church recognizes that not every issue is equal. As Catholics and as American citizens, it helps to keep the following 3 things in mind:
- Respect for the dignity of each person is the core of Catholic social teaching and moral teaching. This is our most basic principle.
- We focus on the common good, not our own personal interests. We ask, how can we make the world a better place? Not, how can I improve my own personal situation?
- We have a responsibility - a true obligation - to form our consciences and participate in the civic life of this nation.
The above information is adapted from the Faithful Citizenship bulletin insert from the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2012
For more information, go the www.faithfulcitizenship.org