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Faithful Citizenship
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“The Church is involved in the political process but is not partisan. The Church cannot champion any candidate or party. Our cause is the defense of human life and dignity and the protection of the weak and vulnerable.”- U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, No. 58
Visit these sites to learn more about how the Church encourages us to participate in political life.
- Elections 2024 - California Catholic Conference (cacatholic.org)
- Faithful Citizenship - Justice Peace and Human Development | USCCB
- How do I form my conscience for voting? - California Catholic Conference (cacatholic.org)
- Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship - PDF | USCCB
- 2024 California November General Election Ballot Propositions - California Catholic Conference (cacatholic.org)
- Do's and Don'ts Guidelines During Election Season | USCCB
Helpful Reminders for Evaluating Political Activity
DO...
- Share Catholic Social Teaching and apply these values to legislation, public issues, and ballot measures.
- Advocate for or against a particular ballot proposal - see Election 2024 link above.
- Conduct a non-partisan voter registration or get-out-the-vote drive.
- Encourage Catholics to evaluate candidate positions and form their consciences before voting.
- Check with the diocesan attorney if there are questions about appropriate political activity.
DON’T...
- Only invite selected candidates to address a church-sponsored group.
- Distribute partisan campaign literature or unapproved election material at the organization.
- Endorse/oppose candidates and political parties while acting as a representative of the Church.
- Use organizational resources to provide support for candidates, political parties, or Political Action Committees (PACs).
- Conduct a voter registration that is slanted toward one candidate or political party.
The California Catholic Conference reaffirms the long-standing prohibition of the distribution of election year material in parishes unless published by the diocesan bishop, CCC, or the USCCB.