Catholic Conference of Ohio
Thursday, October 10, 2024

Faithful Citizenship

Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship

The Catholic bishops of the United States created Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, a teaching document on the political responsibility of Catholics. All the faithful, and people of good will, are encouraged to use the statement to help form their consciences, contribute to civil and respectful public dialogue, and shape political choices in the coming election in light of Catholic teaching. The statement lifts up our dual heritage as both faithful Catholics and American citizens with rights and duties as participants in the civil order.


Role of the Church in Political Life

"The direct duty to work for a just ordering of society is proper to the lay faithful." 
- Pope Benedict XVI

We are responsible for learning more about Catholic teachings and traditions and seeking trustworth sources about the issues facing our communities. By forming our consciences, we can better pursue the common good and thus obey the command of our Lord to love our neighbors. 


Bringing our Faith to Public Policy 

Form Your Conscience - read "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship" from the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops.

Activate Your Right to Vote - help build a civilization of truth and love by voting, using the Church's moral and social teaching as your guide.

Advocate for Laws - contact your legislators to express your support of or opposition to current legislation using Action Alerts from the Catholic Conference of Ohio (Sign up here)

Resources

CCO Newsletter
Stay informed of local politics in Ohio from the Catholic perpsective by signing up for the Catholic Conference of Ohio's monthly newsletter. It provides a legislative update on proposed bills, highlights action alerts to easily send messages to your local representatives, features upcoming events, and always ends with a way to reflect prayerfully on the content. 
Sign Up Here >

 

USCCB - Civilize It
As Catholics, we take to heart Jesus’ invitation to follow the example of the Good Samaritan, who challenges us to “become neighbors to all” (no. 80). As a Church and a nation, we are polarized and divided. But as Pope Francis writes in Fratelli Tutti, we can seek “a better kind of politics, one truly at the service of the common good” (no. 154). Civilize It provides resources to respond to this call to build a better kind of politics. 
View Civilize It Resources Here >