Voter Resources

The lay faithful are never to relinquish their participation in “public life”, that is, in the many different economic, social, legislative, administrative and cultural areas, which are intended to promote organically and institutionally the common good. (Christifideles laici, Apostolic Exhortation, Pope John Paul II, No. 42)

“The Catholic Voter must seek, above every other consideration, to protect the common good by opposing these practices which attack its very foundations. Thus, in weighing all of the social conditions which pertain to the common good, we must safeguard, before all else, the good of human life and the good of marriage and the family.” [On Our Civic Responsibility for the Common Good, Cardinal Raymond Burke, no. 29. (Archbishop of St. Louis at the time of writing)]

The Catholic Voter

Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship – Introductory Note (2011)
Note by Archbishop Timothy Dolan and USCCB committee chairmen

The Participation of Catholics in Political Life (2002)
A Doctrinal Note by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith

On Our Civic Responsibility for the Common Good (2004)
Most Reverend Raymond L. Burke, Archdiocese of St. Louis

The Vocation of Christians In American Public Life (2010)
Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap

The Immaculate Conception and politics (2009)
Bishop Robert C. Morlino of Madison

Participating faithfully in the political process (2009)
Bishops Paul S. Loverde and Francis DiLorenzo of Virginia

Voters must know stances on ‘life’ issues (2008)
Archbishop José H. Gomez of San Antonio

“Church and State Today: 
What Belongs to Caesar, and What Doesn’t.”
Archbishop Charles Chaput of Denver (2007)

A Voter’s Guide:
Pro-choice candidates and church teaching (2004)
Archbishop John J. Myers of Newark

Moral Principles for Catholic Voters (2006)
Catholic Bishops of Kansas

Catholics called to bring faith to bear on public issues (2006)
Archbishop Joseph Naumann, Archbishop of Kansas City

The Obligations of Catholics and the Rights of Unborn Children (1990)
Pastoral Statement by Bishop John J. Myers of Peoria

Joint Statement to the Faithful of the Dioceses of Dallas and Fort Worth (2008)
Bishop Kevin Farrell, Bishop of Dallas and Bishop Kevin Vann, Bishop of Fort Worth, TX

Statement by Bishop John Yanta regarding politicians and communion

Other statements of Individual bishops on Catholic voters’ responsibilities

GENERAL PRINCIPLES FOR THE CATHOLIC VOTER AND POLITICIAN

Worthiness to Receive Holy Communion (2004)
Memorandum from Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, Prefect of the CDF

Voter’s Guide for Serious Catholics (2006)

Voter’s Guide for Serious Catholics
Video

Voting with a Clear Conscience
A clear moral guide for the Catholic Voter by Fr. Pavone of Priests for Life

A Brief Catechism for Catholic Voters
Fr. Stephen F. Torraco, PhD

Churches, Free Speech, and the Regulations of the IRS Regarding Elections (2004)
The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ)

Political and Legislative Guidelines For Pastors And Churches
Liberty Counsel an international litigation, education, and policy organization dedicated to advancing religious freedom, the sanctity of life, and the family

Catholics and Political Responsibility
Women For Faith and Family