8/10/2019 Faithful Citizenship Webinar Presentation - Ron Jackson
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Faithful Citizenship
Ron Jackson, Sr.
Sr. Director, Government Affairs
Catholic Charities USA
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Overview
Approved by full body of bishops at2007 general meeting
Updated with Introductory Noteadded
to current edition in their meeting inSeptember 2011
Represents the continuing teaching
of the Conference
A call to discipleship in the world of
politics
Document available online:
http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithful-citizenship
http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithful-citizenship/http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithful-citizenship/http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithful-citizenship/http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithful-citizenship/http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithful-citizenship/http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithful-citizenship/http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithful-citizenship/http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithful-citizenship/8/10/2019 Faithful Citizenship Webinar Presentation - Ron Jackson
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Applying Catholic Teaching
Human Life
Abortion, euthanasia, cloning, genocide, death penalty, avoid war and promote peace
Family Life
Protecting marriage, living with dignity, protecting children, shaping the culture
Social Justice
Just wages, free association, end to discrimination, affordable and accessible health
care, housing, immigration reform, quality education, climate change
Global Solidarity
Scandal of poverty and underdevelopment, human rights, end to torture, care for
refugees
Document provides a
summary of USCCB policy
positions and priorities:
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Churchs Teaching on Public Life
Church has strong tradition of political
participation and commitment to
religious
Vatican II: Call for faithful Catholics to engagein working towards justice and peace
Seek liberty and justice for all
True commitment to justice requires that
Catholics be educated about their faith
Obligation to engage in shaping the moral
character of society
8/10/2019 Faithful Citizenship Webinar Presentation - Ron Jackson
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A Well-Formed Conscience
Conscience is the voice of God in
the human heart
Important to examine facts,background information, and
alternative choices
Study Scripture, the Catechism, and
engage in prayerful reflection todiscern the will of God
It is necessary
that all participate,
each according to
his position androle, in promoting
the common
good.
Catechism of the
Catholic Church,no. 1913
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Making the Moral Choice
Decisions on political choices often rely
heavily on the virtue of prudence
Prudential judgment should be applied to
complex policy issues
The Churchs teaching is an important
tool in making difficult political choices
Essential to recognize that not all issues
carry the same moral weight
Voting is a decision made by each Catholicguided by a faithful conscience
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Themes from Catholic Social Teaching
Life and Dignity of the Human Person
Call to Family, Community and
Participation
Rights and Responsibilities To one another, our families, and society
Preferential Option for the Poor and
Vulnerable
The Dignity of Work and the Rights ofWorkers
Solidarity
Care for Gods Creation
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Ways to Exercise Faithful Citizenship
Responsible citizenship is an
obligation for every Catholic
Run for political office or work
with office holders to promotethe common good
Voice concerns to those in
elected office
Join social mission/advocacy
networks
Participate in State Catholic
Conference initiatives
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Allowed Election Activities
Share principles of
Catholic Social Teaching
Encourage Voter
Participation andEducation
Allowed to campaign for
some ballot measures
Key: Non-Partisanship
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Election Activities Not Allowed
Endorsement or opposition of
specific candidates or political
parties
Allowing church facilities to be
used for political purposes
Distribution of partisan
material
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Role of Catholic Charities
Working to call attention to the needs of the poor and
vulnerable
Raise the issue of poverty in the public debate
Reshape message to emphasize the importance of innovationand reform
Influence candidates platforms to address the moral evil of
poverty
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Catholic Charities USA
Election Activity
Provide activities and updates to the network
Washington Weekly
Action Alerts
Encourage participation
Public forums and town halls
Host candidate forums