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Conscience and Your Vote
The following questions and answers are for Catholics and other interested persons regarding participation in the political process. This document is not a “voter guide.” The Diocese of Manchester does not in any way endorse a particular candidate, political party, or political action committee. Bishop John B. McCormack has developed this resource to assist others in understanding the nature of conscience and the moral obligation to vote and to outline Catholic social teaching on some of today’s pressing issues.
As Catholics, we believe that all people must faithfully follow what they know with a certain conscience to be just and right. One is obliged to have a well-formed conscience according to proper moral principles. Catholic social teaching provides the framework for the formation of one’s conscience on the basis of reason and faith thus setting the stage for us to act as “faithful citizens” as we cast our ballots in national and state elections.
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The Church's social teaching argues on the basis of reason and natural law, namely, on the basis of what is in accord with the nature of every human being. It recognizes that it is not the Church's responsibility to make this teaching prevail in political life. Rather, the Church wishes to help form consciences in political life and to stimulate greater insight into the authentic requirements of justice as well as greater readiness to act accordingly, even when this might involve conflict with situations of personal interest. ( Pope Benedict XVI, Deus Caritas Est , 28 .) |
- What is conscience?
- How is conscience properly "formed"?
- What is the responsibility of a Catholic with respect to the political process?
- Are all Catholic voters obliged to vote in the same manner on public policy matters?
- Is it wrong for a Catholic to support a candidate who takes a permissive stand on intrinsically evil acts, such as abortion, human embryonic stem cell research, and euthanasia?
- What basic guidelines should a Catholic follow when preparing to vote?
- What are the areas that merit special attention and concern by voters in 2008?
- Where can you get additional information about Catholic faith and political life?
Read a message from Bishop McCormack