How Should Catholics Vote?

Summary

This video explores the Catholic Church's stance on voting, emphasizing the civic duty of Catholics to engage in public life. The script discusses the challenge of choosing candidates who may align with some Catholic values but not others. It highlights six key issues identified by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops: human life, religious liberty, marriage, wealth disparity, immigration, and violence. The video encourages Catholics to vote conscientiously, prioritizing the common good, and to remain actively engaged in political dialogue, even after the election, to promote positive change.

Takeaways

• 🗳️ Voting is both a privilege and a responsibility for Catholics, even when the candidates do not perfectly align with Catholic values.
• 📝 The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops publishes a voter guide each election to help Catholics prioritize their values when voting.
• 👶 Human life issues like abortion and euthanasia are key concerns for Catholics, focusing on the protection of the most vulnerable.
• 🙏 Religious liberty is essential, and Catholics must consider which candidate will best safeguard the freedom of all to practice their religion.
• 💍 Marriage is a foundational concept, and Catholics are encouraged to support candidates that promote traditional family values.
• 💸 Economic inequality is a growing issue, and Catholics are urged to vote for candidates who address the needs of the poor and workers' rights.
• 🌍 Immigration reform is a major issue, and Catholics are encouraged to consider candidates that offer humane solutions for undocumented immigrants.
• ☮️ Catholics should prioritize peace and stability, particularly in relation to global conflicts and violence in society.
• 📖 Catholics must form their consciences through Church teachings, scripture, and reputable sources, engaging in thoughtful dialogue.
• 🔧 Voting is the start, but Catholics have a duty to continue working with elected officials to advocate for their values and improve society.

Q & A

What is the primary message conveyed to Catholics about voting in the upcoming election?

The primary message is that voting is both a privilege and a responsibility for Catholics, even when no candidate perfectly aligns with Catholic values. Catholics should prioritize issues based on the guidance of the Church and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Why should Catholics not abstain from voting even if no candidate fully represents their values?

Catholics should not abstain because voting is a civic duty, and it is important to weigh the pros and cons of each candidate. Abstaining would mean not contributing to decisions that can protect vulnerable communities or uphold important values.

What role does the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops play in helping Catholics make informed voting decisions?

The US Conference of Catholic Bishops publishes a voter guide each election to help Catholics prioritize their values and inform their consciences. This framework helps them navigate complex decisions where candidates may not align perfectly with Catholic teachings.

What are the six key priorities identified by the bishops for this election?

The six key priorities are: human life issues (abortion and euthanasia), religious liberty, marriage and family, wealth disparity, care for undocumented immigrants, and issues related to war, terror, and violence.

How should Catholics handle situations where a candidate supports some Catholic values but opposes others?

Catholics are encouraged to weigh the overall pros and cons of each candidate. They should consider the most pressing issues, like human life and the common good, and vote for the candidate who offers the greatest benefit, even if they don't fully align with all Catholic teachings.

Why is human life considered the most important issue for Catholics in this election?

Human life is regarded as sacred because every person is made in the image and likeness of God. Protecting the dignity of human life, particularly in matters like abortion and euthanasia, is foundational to Catholic teachings.

What does the Church teach about the role of personal conscience in voting?

The Church teaches that personal conscience plays a crucial role in voting, but it must be well-formed. Consciences should be informed by Church teachings, Scripture, and the realities of the current social and political environment.

How should Catholics approach their political engagement after the election?

Catholics are encouraged to stay engaged after the election by continuing to communicate their values to elected officials. Regardless of whether they voted for a particular candidate, Catholics should advocate for the common good and remain involved in civic life.

What is the significance of ‘the common good’ in Catholic political thought?

The common good refers to the well-being of society as a whole, especially the poor and vulnerable. Catholics are called to prioritize the common good over personal benefit, making sacrifices when necessary to ensure the flourishing of others.

What is the Church’s stance on voting for a candidate with problematic views in certain areas?

The Church acknowledges that no candidate will perfectly align with all Catholic values. Catholics can vote for a candidate with problematic views in some areas as long as they prioritize the candidate’s virtuous positions in other areas and remain committed to addressing flaws after the election.