contents
Introductory Note
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vii
Part I: Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship:
The US Bishops’ Reflection on Catholic Teaching
and Political Life
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1
Introduction
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1
Why Does the Church Teach About Issues
Affecting Public Policy?
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5
Who in the Church Should Participate in Political Life?
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7
How Does the Church Help the Catholic Faithful to
Speak About Political and Social Questions?
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9
A Well-Formed Conscience
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10
The Virtue of Prudence
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10
Doing Good and Avoiding Evil
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Making Moral Choices
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14
What Does the Church Say About Catholic Social Teaching
in the Public Square?—Four Principles of Catholic Social Teaching
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The Dignity of the Human Person
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Subsidiarity
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The Common Good
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Solidarity
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Conclusion
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24
Part II: Applying Catholic Teaching to Major Issues:
A Summary of Policy Positions of the
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
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27
Human Life
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Promoting Peace
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Marriage and Family Life
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Religious Freedom
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Preferential Option for the Poor and Economic Justice
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Health Care
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