Catholics Participate in Public Life
We are called to witness to Faithful Citizenship as we participate in the public square through political engagement and civil dialogue. Watch all five videos on Faithful Citizenship!
"We need to participate for the common good. Sometimes we hear: a good Catholic is not interested in politics. This is not true: good Catholics immerse themselves in politics by offering the best of themselves so that the leader can govern." - Pope Francis, 9/16/13
The Catholic bishops of the United States are pleased to offer once again to the Catholic faithful Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship (en Español), our teaching document on the political responsibility of Catholics. This statement represents our guidance for Catholics in the exercise of their rights and duties as participants in our democracy. We urge our pastors, lay and religious faithful, and all people of good will to use this statement to help form their consciences; to teach those entrusted to their care; to contribute to civil and respectful public dialogue; and to shape political choices in the coming election in light of Catholic teaching. The statement lifts up our dual heritage as both faithful Catholics and American citizens with rights and duties as participants in the civil order.
Read Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States (en Español), which provides a framework for Catholics in the United States. (English PDF | PDF en Español)
Learn More
Learn how Catholics across the country are putting their faith into action through civic engagement with Success Stories from WeAreSaltandLight.org and learn more about our call to engage in civil dialogue at CivilizeIt.org.
Visit the following pages for resources related to:
Civilize It
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has launched a campaign inviting Catholics to model civility and love for neighbor throughout the year. Civilize It: Dignity Beyond the Debate will ask Catholics to pledge civility, clarity, and compassion in their families, communities, and parishes, and call on others to do so as well. Find out more information and resources to share with your community at CivilizeIt.org.
Top Forming Consciences Resources
- Listening and Witness Pastoral Aid - April 26th, 2020 | en Español
- Civil Dialogue Bulletin Insert | en Español
- Conscience Formation Bulletin Insert | en Español
- Adult Education and Small Faith Community Sharing | Formación de adultos y pequeñas comunidades de fe
- How to Contact Your Elected Officials Bulletin Insert | en Español
- Novena for Faithful Citizenship | en Español
- Do's and Don'ts Guidelines During Election Season
- Questions for Reflection and Discussion of Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship | en Español
- Bulletin Announcements | en Español
- Jr. High and High School Lesson Plans | Ejemplos de esquemas de lecciones y materiales para estudiantes de secundaria
- Elementary Lesson Plans | Esquemas de lecciones para escuelas de primaria
- 2020 Election Novena
- Summary Bulletin Insert Part 1 - The Challenge of Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: Our Call as Catholic Citizens | en Español
- Summary Bulletin Insert Part 2 - The Challenge of Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: Making Moral Choices and Applying Our Principles | en Español
- Watch all five videos on Faithful Citizenship
Blog Posts On Faithful Citizenship
Public Policy in the Pews: How the Diocese of Rochester NY Engages Catholics in Advocacy.
Read about how one young Catholic leads her community to mobilize faith communities.
For older letters, documents, articles, etc., please see the Faithful Citizenship archives.