Contents |
5 |
Introductory Note |
8 |
PART I: The US Bishops’ Reflection on Catholic Teaching and Political Life |
10 |
Introduction |
10 |
Why Does the Church Teach About Issues Affecting Public Policy? |
14 |
Who in the Church Should Participate in Political Life? |
16 |
How Does the Church Help the Catholic Faithful to Speak About Political and Social Questions? |
18 |
A Well-Formed Conscience |
19 |
The Virtue of Prudence |
19 |
Doing Good and Avoiding Evil |
20 |
Making Moral Choices |
22 |
What Does the Church Say About Catholic Social Teaching in the Public Square?—Four Principles of Catholic Social Teaching |
26 |
The Dignity of the Human Person |
27 |
Subsidiarity |
28 |
The Common Good |
29 |
Solidarity |
31 |
Conclusion |
33 |
PART II: Applying Catholic Teaching to Major Issues: A Summary of Policy Positions of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops |
36 |
Human Life |
37 |
Promoting Peace |
38 |
Marriage and Family Life |
39 |
Religious Freedom |
40 |
Preferential Option for the Poor and Economic Justice |
41 |
Health Care |
42 |
Migration |
43 |
Catholic Education |
43 |
Promoting Justice and Countering Violence |
44 |
Combatting Unjust Discrimination |
44 |
Care for Our Common Home |
45 |
Communications, Media, and Culture |
46 |
Global Solidarity |
47 |
PART III: Goals for Political Life: Challenges for Citizens, Candidates, and Public Officials |
50 |
Notes |
53 |
References |
54 |
Major Catholic Statements on Public Life and Moral Issues |
56 |
Protecting Human Life |
56 |
Promoting Family Life |
57 |
Pursuing Social Justice |
58 |
Practicing Global Solidarity |
59 |
Major Policy-Related Speeches of Pope Francis During His Apostolic Visit to the United States, September 22-27, 2015 |
60 |