Faithful Citizenship

In the Catholic Tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation. (Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, no. 13)

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has reissued its landmark statement, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, which was passed by the full body of bishops in 2007.  In doing so, they have added to it an Introductory Note, emphasizing some of the pressing “signs of the times” this year.

Please visit www.faithfulcitizenship.org to read this normative statement of Church involvement in political life as well as to access a wonderful array of materials for individual Catholics, families, parishes, and schools.  There you will find engaging videos, discussion guides, prayers, bulletin inserts, homily helps, lesson plans, quizzes, and more, designed for both adults and youth.

Archbishop Schnurr asks ”that we rise to faithful citizenship.”

“What would it look like for the Catholic community in the United States to ‘win’ an election?”

Archbishop Dennis Schnurr responds to this question in his message to the faithful of the Archdiocese.  In it, he encourages us to “embrace this election season as another opportunity to commit to forming our own individual consciences and to carrying forward the light of Truth, given to us by Jesus Christ, to shape the overall moral character of society around the principles of Catholic Social Teaching.”

Click here to read the Archbishop’s letter.

Archbishop Schnurr’s 2012 Post-Election Statement

Please read Archbishop Dennis Schnurr’s message to Catholics following a very polarizing election season, reminding us to pursue our work as “one body in Christ,” with determination, civility and respect.  Click here.

More Faithful Citizenship Resources

Catholic Conference of Ohio

• Election 2012 Resources for Parishes and Schools from the Catholic Bishops of Ohio. 

Archdiocese of Cincinnati 

• Archdiocesan Guidelines for Church Involvement in Political Issues
• Contact Information for County Boards of Elections in the Archdiocese
• The Catholic Telegraph covers parish efforts on political and social action for Faithful Citizenship (2008)
• Sample Intercessions
• Sample Bulletin Inserts