faithful citizenship webinar presentation - ron jackson

8/10/2019 Faithful Citizenship Webinar Presentation - Ron Jackson

1/13


2/13

Faithful Citizenship

Ron Jackson, Sr.

Sr. Director, Government Affairs

Catholic Charities USA


3/13

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/


4/13

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:


5/13

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


6/13

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


7/13

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


8/13

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


9/13

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


10/13

Allowed Election Activities

Share principles of

Catholic Social Teaching

Encourage Voter

Participation andEducation

Allowed to campaign for

some ballot measures

Key: Non-Partisanship


11/13

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


12/13

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


13/13

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

faithful citizenship webinar presentation - ron jackson

Documents