As we approach the election for president, the senate and congress, it is essential to remember that as the U.S. Bishops’ document on Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship states, Catholics’ political engagement should be “shaped by the moral convictions of well formed consciences and focused on the dignity of every human being, the pursuit of the common good, and the protection of the weak and vulnerable.”

Seeking the common good is basic to Catholic teaching on social justice, but the common good must always include moral consciousness. Reasonable people can differ but their ultimate decisions must respect the moral issues of life, marriage and dignity.

The Church always avoids party partisanship and manipulation but consistently addresses issues that refer to the moral fiber of our country. What are some of these issues? [Read more…]