Voting as a Catholic American

09-18-2016Weekly ReflectionFr. Chad King

Beginning this Sunday, Sept 17th, I encourage everyone to join me in praying for the Presidential election coming in November. Perhaps you would like to begin a 54-day rosary novena, which if begun today would end near Election day. Or if you prefer a shorter prayer — the Our Lady Un-Doer of Knots novena is a powerful prayer for this nation. I have also provided the Election Prayer for Life so you can pray this prayer as often as you can.

As Catholic Americans, not only should we vote, but we have an obligation to vote. And not only to vote, but we have the obligation (not just the encouragement) of our faith to influence how we vote. The United Conference of Catholic Bishops present it this way, we have dual heritage "as both faithful Catholics and American citizens with rights and duties as participants in the civil order...It is as citizens faithful to the Lord Jesus that we contribute most effectively to the civil order." If we really believe that the Church has what the world needs, we must reflect that in how we vote.

As a Catholic, there are certain issues that are non-negotiable and morally wrong: including Abortion, Euthanasia, Contraception, attacks on Religious Liberty, and Same-sex Marriage. There are many other issues which a Catholic can have differing opinions on (for example the economy, immigration, education). When you are voting this year, please prayerfully consider the candidate who says he/she will NOT make any or all of these more acceptable and more available.

Keep in mind also, that this year, we are not only voting for who we want to lead this nation as President, but we are also voting on the type of people we want in the Supreme Court to enact laws that we may or may not want. There could be as many as three or four new judges who will be elected by the new President, so please consider this when you mark your ballot.

We might feel that both candidates who have the best chance of being elected have their strengths and flaws, and both may have beliefs that are disconcerting. We used to be able to say, 'vote for the candidate who stands for the lesser of two evils.' Some think it is better not to vote, or to vote for a candidate who is unlikely to win, but personally, I propose that isn't good enough. It doesn't do what the Bishops implore us to do to help our nation. We must consider this question when we vote…

Which candidate's views best reflect the moral teachings that our Church holds as truths and will most likely bring the best results for the nation?

Thus, I encourage you to pray for this country and our election. As you review the candidates for each position, do so with Catholic lenses, and vote accordingly. May God Bless you and God Bless America.