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Whether running for office, working for a political party, or casting a vote, Catholics are obligated to form and consult our consciences. A well-formed conscience, shaped by sacred scripture and the teachings of the Church, will help guide our decision-making and ensure our actions help build a society that is more respectful of human life and dignity and more cognizant of the Christian obligation to seek peace and justice.

Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship

The U.S. bishops offer a teaching document to guide Catholics in the exercise of their rights and duties as participants in our democracy. Pastors, lay and religious faithful, and all people of good are urged 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.

• • Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States with New Introductory Letter (English) | (Spanish)
  • Nuestro llamado como ciudadanos católicos Español FAQ
  • Our Call as Catholic Citizens FAQ

Catholic Social Teaching
Catholic Social Teaching is a valuable resource as we equip ourselves with the tools necessary to properly form our consciences in order to address political and social questions and evaluate candidates and their platforms. 
Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching

A Better Kind of Politics

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 asks Catholics to pledge civility, clarity, and compassion in their families, communities, and parishes, and call on others to do so as well.

Take the pledge and find resources to share with your community at CivilizeIt.org

Resources

Faithful Citizenship Plan

Faithful Citizenship Document 3-Part Series

• Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship (USCCB Link)

Resources

• • • Bulletin Announcements 1 – 7
    • General Intercessions & Announcements
    • Videos
      • USCCB Video Highlighting Civil Dialogue
      • Cardinal Dolan: Faithful Citizenship
      • Using Faithful Citizenship Correctly
      • Faithful Citizenship Conscience Formation
      • A Matter of Conscience
    • Praying Like a Faithful Citizen: 9 New Ways to Pray
    • Study Group Lesson Plans
      • Study Group Lessons for Adults
      • Study Group Lessons for Jr. High and High School
      • Study Group Lessons for Elementary School
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    • 7 Themes of Catholic Social Teaching
    • Faithful Citizenship logo (download)

“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

Information of Faithful Citizenship at CA Catholic Conference:  https://www.cacatholic.org/faithful-citizenship