Faithful Citizenship

CATHOLICISM AND POLITICAL LIFE:
RESOURCES FROM THE UNITED STATES CATHOLIC CONFERENCE (USCCB)
JUSTICE, PEACE, AND INTEGRITY OF CREATION (JPIC)

The information and resources included below have been provided by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Please use the additional links to find more information on these topics from the USCCB.

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)

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 numerous resources and further information on Catholic Social Teaching and periodically updating its "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship," including their guide to “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility."

"Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship" USCCB Website

© All rights reserved.
If you have questions regarding our various JPIC ministries, please contact me directly.
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 LIFE:​RESOURCES FROM THE UNITED STATES CATHOLIC CONFERENCE (USCCB)JUSTICE, PEACE, AND INTEGRITY OF CREATION (JPIC)