Joshua Bennett
Catholics are advised to vote with the common good in mind, bringing attention to the vulnerable and marginalized. While the church does not tell Catholics how to vote, it does provide guidance on how to think about voting and form their consciences. Catholics are encouraged to evaluate the character of candidates and their stance on issues such as abortion, physician-assisted suicide, and healthcare. In the case of Measure 66, which pertains to the election process for the school board, Catholics would need to consider the implications of their vote on the community and nation, weighing the benefits of election reform against potential drawbacks, such as corporate influence.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Voting as a Catholic | Requires common good thinking |
| Catholics are not single-issue voters | |
| Catholics are responsible for knowing the church's values | |
| Catholics must bring their values to bear on the issues facing society | |
| Catholics must vote with prudence | |
| Catholics must vote with their conscience | |
| Catholics must vote for the protection of the weak and vulnerable | |
| Catholics must vote for human rights and dignity | |
| Catholics must vote against "intrinsically evil" actions |
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What You'll Learn
Voting with common good thinking
Voting as a Catholic requires common good thinking. This means that Catholic voters are responsible for knowing the church’s values and what role faith plays in political decisions. Morally responsible voting reflects an appreciation of the common good, the issues that support or hinder its realization, and the quality and character of the candidates who can help make this happen.
Catholics are not single-issue voters. They look at all issues facing the community, state, and nation, and decide which issues can be addressed at that time and by the office for which the candidates are contending. A responsible practicality guides issues assessment during an election season. Beyond a general focus on the common good and an examination of the issues, evaluating the character of the candidates themselves can help make voting decisions. Political leaders leave a mark on the political culture and therefore on society itself. Accepting bad personal behavior invites bad behavior regarding state and national policies.
Catholics can bring attention to people who are marginalized and vulnerable during political campaigns by joining programs and organizations seeking to register low-income voters and even helping get them to the polls. They can vote for candidates who will listen and respond to the needs of people living in poverty and who will work for necessary structural changes in society that bring benefits especially to people with the greatest needs.
In a world of imperfect choices, Catholics must strive to make the best choice possible. Where Catholics must be in agreement is that fundamental moral obligation they share: to “help build a more just and peaceful world through morally acceptable means, so that the weak and vulnerable are protected and human rights and dignity are defended”.
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The role of faith in political decisions
One key principle for Catholic voters is the pursuit of the common good. This involves considering the needs of society as a whole and prioritising the weakest and most vulnerable members of the community. Catholics are encouraged to evaluate political candidates based on their character and their ability to promote the common good through their policies. This includes addressing issues such as healthcare, poverty, and structural changes that benefit those in need.
Another important aspect of the Catholic faith that influences political decisions is its moral tradition. Catholics are reminded of their moral obligation to build a just and peaceful world, protect human rights and dignity, and oppose "intrinsically evil" actions. For example, the Church strongly opposes abortion and euthanasia as they are considered incompatible with the love of God and neighbour. Thus, Catholic voters may be guided by their faith to support candidates or policies that uphold these moral values.
Additionally, prudence is a virtue emphasised in Catholic voting. Recognising that political agendas are often flawed, Catholics are encouraged to exercise prudence in deliberating over their choices and determining which candidate or policy best aligns with their conscience and the teachings of their faith. This involves weighing the various issues at stake and making practical assessments during the election season.
In summary, the role of faith in political decisions for Catholics involves applying their religious values and teachings to address societal issues and promote the common good. While the Church does not dictate specific voting choices, it provides moral and ethical guidance to help Catholics form their consciences and make informed decisions in the voting booth.
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Evaluating the character of candidates
Catholics are encouraged to use their judgment and follow their consciences, applying the teachings of Jesus Christ and core faith values to the choices they make in the voting booth. This includes considering the quality and character of the candidates themselves, as political leaders can have a significant impact on society and its policies. Accepting bad personal behaviour from leaders can invite similar behaviour in state and national policies.
When evaluating candidates, Catholics should consider their alignment with church teachings and their own consciences on key moral issues. This includes issues such as protecting the weak and vulnerable, defending human rights and dignity, and opposing "intrinsically evil" actions, such as abortion and euthanasia.
Additionally, Catholics should assess candidates' commitment to addressing the needs of the weakest and most defenseless members of society. This includes showing attention to people who are marginalised and vulnerable, and supporting necessary structural changes that bring benefits to those with the greatest needs.
In summary, evaluating the character of candidates involves considering their personal behaviour, moral alignment with Catholic teachings, and commitment to addressing the needs of the most vulnerable members of society. By deliberating on these factors, Catholics can strive to make the best choice possible when casting their votes.
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Abortion and euthanasia
The Church's position on these issues is rooted in its commitment to protecting human life and dignity. Abortion and euthanasia are seen as violations of this principle, as they involve the taking of innocent human life. For Catholics, these acts are incompatible with the love of God and neighbour, and as such, the Church urges its followers to reject and oppose any legislation that would permit them.
When considering how to vote on these issues, Catholic voters are expected to use their judgment and follow their consciences while also adhering to the teachings of their faith. This means that, while the Church does not endorse specific candidates or political parties, Catholics are guided by their religious values when evaluating political choices. They are encouraged to vote for candidates who will protect the weak and vulnerable and defend human rights and dignity.
In practice, this may mean supporting candidates who oppose abortion and euthanasia and promote policies that uphold the sanctity of human life. It is important for Catholic voters to assess the character of the candidates and determine which ones align most closely with their moral values. While it can be challenging to find candidates who share all of one's moral beliefs, Catholics are called to exercise prudence and make the best choice possible to promote the common good.
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Protecting the weak and vulnerable
As Catholics, we are called to put the good of society and our fellow citizens above our individual desires and needs. This means that, when voting, we must consider whether the needs of the weakest and most defenseless among us are being addressed. We must use our judgment and follow our consciences as we apply the teachings of our faith to the choices presented in the voting booth.
The Church does not tell Catholics how to vote or endorse specific candidates or parties. Instead, it guides its members on how to think about voting and form their consciences as they make political choices. Catholics are encouraged to know the Church's values and the role that faith plays in political decisions. This involves reflecting on the common good, the issues that support or hinder its realization, and the quality and character of the candidates who can help bring about this good.
Catholics can bring attention to the marginalized and vulnerable during political campaigns by participating in initiatives to register low-income voters and assisting them in getting to the polls. We can vote for candidates who will listen to and address the needs of people living in poverty and work for structural changes that benefit those with the greatest needs. For example, during the 2020 election, which took place amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Catholics could have considered candidates' positions on addressing the shortcomings in the healthcare system, such as the lack of health insurance for millions of Americans.
Additionally, Catholics are reminded of their moral obligation to help build a more just and peaceful world through morally acceptable means. This includes protecting the weak and vulnerable, defending human rights and dignity, and opposing "intrinsically evil" actions, such as the taking of innocent human life through abortion or euthanasia. These issues are considered fundamental moral obligations that Catholics must agree on and strive to uphold through their voting choices.
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