Faithful Citizenship Institute
Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship
A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States provides a framework for Catholics in the United States who seek to exercise their rights and duties as citizens.
Major Catholic Statements on Public Life
A well-formed conscience is upright and truthful. It formulates its judgments according to reason, in conformity with the true good willed by the wisdom of the Creator. Everyone must avail himself of the means to form his conscience. (CCC, 1798)
Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ teaching document on the political responsibility of Catholics, provides guidance for all who seek to exercise their rights and duties as citizens.
Its introductory letter challenges all faithful Catholics to discern:
- Everyone living in this country is called to participate in public life and contribute to the common good. (CCC nos. 1913-15)
- Our participation in political parties or other groups to which we may belong should be influenced by our faith, not the other way around.
- We should apply a consistent moral framework to issues facing the nation and world and shape our choices in elections in the light of Catholic Social Teaching.
Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship is a short guide with three parts:
- Part I - The U.S. Bishops' Reflection on Catholic Teaching and Political Life
- Part II - Applying Catholic Teaching to Major Issues: A Summary of Policy Positions of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
- Part III - Goals for Political Life: Challenges for Citizens, Candidates, and Public Officials