Exercising Faithful Citizenship

Each baptized Catholic is called to live each day according to Jesus’ Gospel, including in public and civic forums. Recognizing this call, the Catechism of the Catholic Church states "It is necessary that all participate, according to his position and role, in promoting the common good. This is inherent in the dignity of the human person ... As far as possible citizens should take an active part in public life" (nos. 1913-1915).

To engage responsibly as faithful citizens in our complex and complicated world, we need to

(1)  be aware of Church teachings about the critical issues facing us, and about the processes and principles that should guide us in making Christ-centered decisions; and

(2)  decide how to respond as faith-filled Catholics to the public and civic challenges that we encounter, either through our votes, our legislative advocacy of key issues, or direct service to others to address the challenge.

As you exercise your faithful citizenship, you may find  the links below will provide you with helpful information and opportunities.

Becoming Aware of Church Teachings and Guides

• U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishop’s (USCCB)  website includes many resources about faithful citizenship for individuals and groups  www.faithfulcitizenship.org
• Forming Conscience for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility is a 45-page document from the US Conference of Catholic Bishops that includes the U.S. Bishop’s reflections on Catholic teaching and the political arena, describes and applies Catholic teaching to contemporary political issues, and identifies challenges faced in the political arena.  Download Here>>
• 2-page synopsis of Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States  www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithful-citizenship/upload/Forming-Consciences-Faithful-Citizenship-bulletin-insert.pdf
• 2-page handout of discussion questions regarding exercising one’s faithful citizenship  www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithful-citizenship/coffee-discussion-guide.cfm

Responding as Faith-filled Catholics

• California Catholic Conference, including the Catholic Legislative Network, a network that provides updates about policies in California and opportunities to contact legislators  www.cacatholic.org
• USCCB’s Take Action Now, provides updates about national issues and opportunities to contact legislators www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/take-action-now
•  St. Monica ministries that offer opportunities to engage in local and global outreach activities Local Outreach>>      Global Outreach>>