Catholics Participate in Public Life
We are called to witness to Faithful Citizenship as we participate in the public square through political engagement and civil dialogue. Watch all five videos on Faithful Citizenship!
"We need to participate for the common good. Sometimes we hear: a good Catholic is not interested in politics. This is not true: good Catholics immerse themselves in politics by offering the best of themselves so that the leader can govern."
-Pope Francis, Morning Meditation
The Catholic bishops of the United States are pleased to offer once again to the Catholic faithful Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship (en Español), our teaching document on the political responsibility of Catholics. This statement represents our guidance for Catholics in the exercise of their rights and duties as participants in our democracy. We urge our pastors, lay and religious faithful, and all people of good will to use this statement to help form their consciences; to teach those entrusted to their care; to contribute to civil and respectful public dialogue; and to 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.
Learn More
Read Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States (en Español), which provides a framework for Catholics in the United States. (English PDF | PDF en Español)
As a complement to Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, the bishops also approved six new bulletin inserts (en Español) to help the Catholic faithful put their faith into action.
Civilize It: A Better Kind of Politics
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has launched a campaign inviting Catholics to model civility and love for neighbor throughout the year. Civilize It: A Better Kind Of Politics is a response to Pope Francis’ invitation to seek the truth, build bridges, and find solutions together that promote the common good. Join us by taking the pledge and finding resources at CivilizeIt.org.
Top Forming Consciences Resources
Find more resources for prayer, reflection, and action as a faithful citizen:
- Novena for Faithful Citizenship | en Español
- Do's and Don'ts Guidelines During Election Season
- Civil Dialogue Handout | en Español
- Conscience Formation Handout | en Español
- Adult Education and Small Faith Community Sharing | Formación de adultos y pequeñas comunidades de fe
- How to Contact Your Elected Officials Bulletin Insert | en Español
- Questions for Reflection and Discussion of Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship | en Español
Even more Resources on becoming a Faithful Citizen: