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Faithful Citizenship

Catholics are called to participate in promoting the common good and, as far as possible, to take an active part in public life. Indeed, “by fulfilling their civic duties, guided by a Christian conscience, in conformity with its values, the lay faithful exercise their proper task of infusing the temporal order with Christian values.” (Gaudium et Spes, #36)

The Archdiocese of St. Louis and the Catholic Church do not enter into supporting nor condemning any party or candidate; rather, we help provide information about Church teachings related to the issues to allow the faithful to make their own determination through thoughtful reflections around those teachings and what they believe is correct.

“The consequence of this fundamental teaching of the Second Vatican Council is that the lay faithful are never to relinquish their participation in public life.” (Doctrinal Note on Some Questions Regarding the Participation of Catholics in Political Life, #1)

To fulfill this calling, Catholics must be informed, active, and responsible participants in the political process. They must be knowledgeable about the political process and have a grasp of the moral dimensions of issues facing society. To do so, they need to understand the role of government in society, to be aware of their political rights as citizens, and to know how to influence public policy so that they may work within the political structure to effect change. They need to know about current social issues, to understand the Church’s teachings about their moral dimensions, to form their consciences in light of their faith, and to act out of their moral convictions.


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Viewing Election Issues Through a Lens of Faith

Archbishop Rozanski was interviewed by Covenant Radio on his thoughts pertaining to the 2020 election. 

Forming One's Conscience

Not All Issues Carry The Same Weight

The Dilemma of Choosing Between Imperfect Candidates 

Concluding Reflections On Forming Conscience 

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Civilize It: A Call for Civility in an Era of Outrage

Listen to the Missouri Catholic Conference staff members and newly-appointed Archbishop of St. Louis Mitchell Rozanski as they discuss civility and how it can lead to more respectful dialogue as we enter the remaining weeks of the 2020 Presidential election season.

Listen To Podcast

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We’re called to form our conscience in accord with Catholic teaching

After the election, our mission to proclaim and give witness to the Gospel will remain

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Read "The Issues, The Candidates, and Your Vote 2020" from Michigan Catholic Conference (PDF)

Click to download PDF

Read the Archdiocese of St. Louis Political Process Guidelines for Parishes, Schools, and Agencies

Resources for Priests on Preaching and Catechesis During Election Season (pdf)

Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States with Introductory Note

 

Also available in Spanish: Cómo ver los temas de las elecciones a través del Lente de la Fe

 


 

Register to vote at the Missouri Secretary of State website

 


Stay informed on important issues

With a number of hot topic issues at the forefront in our culture, it is important that Catholics have an understanding of the Church's position on these issues. On this page you will find links to resources to help you stay informed. 

 

Religious Liberty & the HHS Mandate

Same-Sex Attraction & Marriage

Gender ideology

Immigration

Life Issues

Environmental Issues

Peace & Justice

Find more information from the USCCB at http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/index.cfm