Issues Catholics Face 
Home > Faith in Action > Faithful Citizenship

Faithful Citizenship

Guidance for Catholics in the exercise of their rights and duties as participants in our democracy.

As Catholics, we are members of a community of faith with a long tradition of teaching and action on human life, and dignity, marriage and family, justice and peace, care for creation, and the common good. As Americans, we are also blessed with religious liberty which safeguards our right to bring our principles and moral convictions into the public arena. These Constitutional freedoms need to be both exercised and protected, as some seek to mute the voices or limit the freedoms of religious believers and religious institutions. Catholics have the same rights and duties as others to participate fully in public life.

Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship is the U.S. Bishops' teaching document on the political responsibility of Catholics. This statement, overwhelmingly adopted by the body of bishops in 2007, represents the continuing teaching of the Bishops’ Conference and their guidance for Catholics in the exercise of their rights and duties as participants in our democracy.

 

Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC) (the public policy voice of the Catholic Church in Michigan)
Current Issues |
Join the Catholic Legislative Advocacy Network

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) (the public policy voice for the Catholic Church regarding national issues)
Current Issues | Take Action
Bishops promote political responsibility with online resources - News release & resources (April 25, 2012)

Resources

USCCB (Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship | Political Responsibility Guidelines
Blog Series & Resources | Videos)
Development of Conscience (Reflection by Sr. Barbara Cline, FSE, for March 2012 FAITH Grand Rapids magazine)

Go Search