Voting as a Catholic

10-13-2024Weekly ReflectionJen Arnold, M.A.

Our nation has an election quickly approaching in the coming weeks, so this is an excellent time to examine our obligations and responsibilities as Catholics regarding voting.

Catholics have a moral obligation to participate in the political process and vote in elections, as outlined by the Catechism of the Catholic Church and guidance from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). This duty stems from our responsibility to promote the common good and shape society according to Gospel values.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “Submission to authority and co-responsibility for the common good make it morally obligatory to pay taxes, to exercise the right to vote, and to defend one’s country.” (CCC 2240) This clearly establishes voting as a moral duty for Catholics, not merely a civic option. The USCCB further emphasizes this obligation in their document, “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship.” Part 1 of this document states:

In the Catholic Tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation. "People in every nation enhance the social dimension of their lives by acting as committed and responsible citizens" (Evangelii Gaudium, no. 220). The obligation to participate in political life is rooted in our baptismal commitment to follow Jesus Christ and to bear Christian witness in all we do. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us, "It is necessary that all participate, each according to his position and role, in promoting the common good. This obligation is inherent in the dignity of the human person.. As far as possible, citizens should take an active part in public life" (nos. 1913-1915). - #13

The Catholic Church never tells us precisely how or for whom we should vote. To do so would be an affront to our gift of free will. However, our Church serves us as a loving mother, guiding and forming us to help us make good choices according to the gospel message.

Our Church teaches that having a well-formed conscience is an essential foundation for making thoughtful and informed decisions. A properly formed conscience does not happen overnight; it comes over a long period of life experiences and is a never-ending process.

The USCCB offers four specific things for individuals to do on their own to help form their conscience:

1) Begin by being open to the truth and what is right.

2) Study Sacred Scripture and the teaching of the Church.

3) Examine the facts and background information about various choices and be discerning in where we gather information.

4) Prayerfully reflect to discern the will of God.

(Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, no. 18)

The Conference also recommends four specific ways to enlist the help of our community of faith and the body of Christ:

1) Seek the prudent advice and good example of trusted leaders and others to support and enlighten our conscience.

2) Learn about the authoritative teaching of the Church.

3) Pray for the gifts of the Holy Spirit to help us develop our conscience.

4) Regularly partake in an examination of conscience to hear God’s voice in our life.

The USCCB emphasizes that conscience is not simply a feeling or personal preference, but “the voice of God resounding in the human heart, revealing the truth to us and calling us to do what is good while shunning what is evil.”

Catholics are called to consider the full range of issues affecting human life and dignity when evaluating political candidates and issues. However, not all issues carry equal moral weight. The USCCB identifies several critical areas for consideration:

Human Life: The intentional destruction of innocent human life, such as through abortion and euthanasia, is intrinsically evil and must always be opposed. This area also includes embryonic stem cell research and human cloning.

Family Life: The family, based on marriage between one man and one woman, is the fundamental unit of society and must be supported and strengthened.

Social Justice: Catholics are called to have a preferential (prioritized) option for the poor and vulnerable, ensuring their basic needs are met.

Religious Liberty: Religious freedom is a fundamental human right that must be protected. Catholics should support policies and candidates that defend religious liberty and the rights of religious organizations to operate according to their beliefs.

Migration: Nations have the right and responsibility to control their borders and maintain the rule of law while doing so in a just and humane manner.

Global Solidarity: We have responsibilities beyond our borders, including promoting peace, human rights, and care for creation.

While considering all of the issues at hand, the USCCB provides this guidance:

A Catholic cannot vote for a candidate who favors a policy promoting an intrinsically evil act, such as abortion, euthanasia, assisted suicide, deliberately subjecting workers or the poor to subhuman living conditions, redefining marriage in ways that violate its essential meaning, or racist behavior, if the voter's intent is to support that position.

However, the bishops also note that a Catholic may vote for a candidate who supports some immoral positions as long as the voter’s intent is to support the candidate’s position on other morally grave issues rather than those immoral positions.

In many elections, Catholics may choose between imperfect candidates, none of whom fully align with Church teaching. In such cases, the USCCB advises:

When all candidates hold a position that promotes an intrinsically evil act, the conscientious voter faces a dilemma. The voter may decide to take the extraordinary step of not voting for any candidate or, after careful deliberation, may decide to vote for the candidate deemed less likely to advance such a morally flawed position and more likely to pursue other authentic human goods.

As with any election, we have much to consider as election day approaches. As Catholics, we have both the privilege and responsibility to participate in shaping the moral character of our society. By forming our consciences, prioritizing the protection of human life and dignity, and approaching political engagement with prayer and discernment, we can fulfill our duty to be faithful citizens. The USCCB reminds us, "In the end, this is a decision to be made by each Catholic guided by a conscience formed by Catholic moral teaching.” May we approach this solemn duty with wisdom, courage, and fidelity to Christ and His Church.

In the coming days and weeks, I encourage you to examine specific areas tugging at your conscience before you vote. Please take advantage of the four tips I listed about enlisting your faith community's help. Talk the issues over with your faithful Catholic friends. Learn what the Church teaches on those particular issues through trusted resources. Pray for the gifts of the Holy Spirit to enlighten your heart and mind with the truth. Do an examination of conscience a few times to reveal where your conscience may need to be better formed. Finally, fulfill your moral obligation to bring Christ to the world and vote!