Faithful Citizenship

In the Catholic Tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation. This obligation is rooted in our baptismal commitment to follow Jesus Christ and to bear Christian witness in all we do. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us, “It is necessary that all participate, each according to his position and role, in promoting the common good. This obligation 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). Be informed…study the issues…be ready to VOTE in election yers!

 

Massachusetts Catholic Conference: Citizenship and the Well-Informed Conscience
How is a Catholic to fulfill his or her role as a citizen? The Roman Catholic Bishops in the United States addressed this important question in their 2007 statement entitled “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship.” All Catholics are urged to read and reflect on this document, which is summarized here. References to the full statement include the title’s initials, “FCFC,” and the relevant paragraph numbers.
Vist Massachusetts Catholic Conference site to view or download "An Introduction to Forming Consciences for Fatihful Citizenship"

www.faithfulcitizenship.org for info and additional resources
www.usccb.org for info on Social Justice Issues and links to Faithful Citizenship and Vatican
www.vatican.va for text of "Deus Caritas Est" ("God Is Love") - click on photo of Pope, click encyclicals, click English under document title.