Catholicism & Political Life (JPIC)

CATHOLICISM AND POLITICAL LIFE
JUSTICE, PEACE, AND INTEGRITY OF CREATION (JPIC)

The information included below has been provided by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Please use the provided links to find more information on these topics from the USCCB. Additional sources will be noted.

If you have any questions about these resources on Catholic Social Teaching and Political Life, please contact:
Ken Chiha, Director of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC)

USCCB & FRANCISCAN
CURRENT POLITICAL ADVOCACY EFFORTS

U.S. BISHOPS’ PRESIDENT REACTS TO PASSAGE OF ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL ACT

USCCB President Reacts to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

Reacting to the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Archbishop Broglio, president of the USCCB, lamented the great harm the bill will cause to many of the most vulnerable in society, making steeper cuts to Medicaid and clean energy tax credits, and adding more to the deficit.

“My brother bishops and I have repeatedly and consistently urged lawmakers to use the budget reconciliation process to help families in need and to change course on aspects of the bill that fail the poor and vulnerable. The final version of the bill includes unconscionable cuts to healthcare and food assistance, tax cuts that increase inequality, immigration provisions that harm families and children, and cuts to programs that protect God’s creation. The bill, as passed, will cause the greatest harm to those who are especially vulnerable in our society. As its provisions go into effect, people will lose access to healthcare and struggle to buy groceries, family members will be separated, and vulnerable communities will be less prepared to cope with environmental impacts of pollution and extreme weather. More must be done to prevent these devastating effects.

“The Catholic Church’s teaching to uphold human dignity and the common good compels us to redouble our efforts and offer concrete help to those who will be in greater need and continue to advocate for legislative efforts that will provide better possibilities in the future for those in need.”

CONFRONTING CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM

HOW TO END CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM
Amanda Tyler

Our 2025 JPIC Lenten Book Study discussed Amanda Tyler’s book How to End Christian Nationalism. This book gives readers a better understanding of what Christian Nationalism is, how it is showing up in our daily lives, the harm it can cause, and how people of faith can combat its spread.

If you believe Christians follow a gospel of love and not the idol of power, this might be the book club for you!

Online Summary/Praise for How to End Christian Nationalism

“A potent tool for taking action.” - Jemar Tisby

“An indispensable tool in renewing civic engagement and democracy.” - Anthea Butler

The essential guidebook for Christians alarmed by the rising tide of Christian nationalism yet unsure how to counter it.

Christian nationalism is a powerful and pervasive ideology, and it is becoming normalized. From Amanda Tyler, lead organizer of the Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign, comes How to End Christian Nationalism, your vital companion for countering this dangerous ideology. Tyler draws on her experiences, conversations with pastors and laypeople, research, Scripture, her Baptist convictions, and her work as a constitutional law expert to help us confront Christian nationalist fervor.
You will learn how to distinguish Christian nationalism from the teachings of Jesus and to demonstrate how the former perpetuates white supremacy. This book also unpacks key truths we can share with others: Patriotism is not the same as nationalism. Religious freedom means little if it is not for everyone. Christians follow a gospel of love, not the idol of power.

Here, you will find stories of what Christians are doing to resist Christian nationalism in their churches and communities, plus ideas for your own work. From strategies for faith-rooted organizing to guidance for holding hard conversations with loved ones, Tyler offers practical ways to protect faith freedom for all. With precision and compassion, Tyler offers cogent arguments for the separation of church and state, a timely call to action, and an urgent case for replacing a twisted, fearful version of faith with one that is good and right and true. We have all seen what Christian nationalism can do. Now is the time for Christians to reckon with its harm. Now is the time to end it.

CIVILIZE IT - A BETTER KIND OF POLITICS

A polarized Church. A divided nation. Pope Francis calls for “a better kind of politics.” How will you respond? As Catholics, we take to heart Jesus’ invitation to follow the example of the Good Samaritan, who challenges us to “become neighbors to all” (no. 80). As a Church and a nation, we are polarized and divided. But as Pope Francis writes in Fratelli Tutti, we can seek “a better kind of politics, one truly at the service of the common good” (no. 154). We can see ourselves as members of one family. We can seek to encounter and to grow. We can identify common values. We can listen to understand. We can seek the truth together. We can jointly come up with creative solutions to the problems that face our world.

Civilize It - A Better Kind of Politics USCCB Website

Civilize It - A Better Kind of Politics is a response to Pope Francis’ invitation. Join us to model this “better kind of politics.” Take the pledge below to commit to seeking the truth, building bridges, and finding solutions together that promote the common good. Individuals, families, and communities can participate.

Taking the pledge is just the first step. Additional materials can help us as we reimagine our way of being in the world. Begin today by loving God through encounter with a neighbor as a sister or brother.

I PLEDGE

CHARITY

To affirm through my words and actions the dignity of every person, each made in God’s image. Even those with whom I disagree are made in his image.
To respectfully listen in order to understand experiences different from my own.

CLARITY

To engage in critical examination to ensure that my perspectives are rooted in truth, that my sources of information are unbiased, and that I do not open myself to manipulation by partisan interests.
To form my conscience through prayerful reflection, study of scripture and Church teaching, and guidance from reputable experts.
To reflect on my own values and seek, with others, to identify shared values.
To be open to the process of dialogue that can require change of perspective—my own and others’—in service to the inviolable dignity of all and the common good.

CREATIVITY

To be a bridgebuilder who participates in constructive dialogue based in shared values, a mutual exchange of gifts, and the humility to together seek the good.
To see differences in perspective as opportunities for creative tension which can yield solutions for the common good.
To work with others in order to identify creative solutions rooted in our shared values.

RESOURCES TO BUILD "A BETTER KIND OF POLITICS"

THE CALL TO "A BETTER KIND OF POLITICS"

*For easier readability, you can click on the document images below to be taken to their PDF web links.

5 TIPS FOR "A BETTER KIND OF POLITICS" - POPE FRANCIS

*For easier readability, you can click on the document images below to be taken to their PDF web links.

FAITHFUL CITIZENSHIP: ELECTIONS

Catholic Social Teaching reminds us of the importance of active participation in public and political life. You may also find it helpful to reflect on our JPIC guide to the Themes and Principles of Catholic Social Teaching (CST). This call to community and promoting the common good requires prayer, education, discernment, and action.

The Gospel teaches us always to promote the dignity and sanctity of the human person, especially on behalf of the poor and most vulnerable. Our faith calls us to active participation in the election process. Voting is an essential way we can help to promote the Gospel’s call to work for justice and peace.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops also offers resources on Catholic Social Teaching and periodically updates its "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship:" A Call to Political Responsibility guide.

"Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship" USCCB Website

© All rights reserved.
If you have questions regarding our various JPIC ministries, please contact:
Kennith M. Chiha, Director of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC)
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church - 901-A West Chapel Hill Street, Durham, NC 27701
(919) 682-3449 Ext. 293 - [email protected]

CATHOLICISM AND POLITICAL LIFEJUSTICE, PEACE, AND INTEGRITY OF CREATION (JPIC)

USCCB & FRANCISCAN​CURRENT POLITICAL ADVOCACY EFFORTS