The Ministries Appeal.
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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As we move closer to the 2024 election in November, I invite you to spend time reading through and reflecting upon the following letter from the Catholic bishops of Minnesota. It is very important as a faithful citizen that you exercise your right and responsibility to vote. As a faithful citizen, the principles of Catholic Social Teaching are core to discerning how to vote. As we discern our choices, let us pray: Come Holy Spirit, grace us with the gifts of wisdom, understanding, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. Amen.
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Dear Brothers and Sisters,
As we approach the 2024 election, we encourage you to reflect on the virtue of faithful citizenship. As Catholics, our spiritual life and public life are not separate. Rather, our prayer and sacramental life informs our conscience, guides our actions, and sustains us in our efforts to build a just society.
In our representative form of government, voting remains a significant responsibility. Those we elect to office make critical decisions on our behalf, and therefore, we should participate in the electoral process with informed consciences, nurtured by prayer.
As faithful citizens, the principles of Catholic Social Teaching are the foundation for discerning how to vote and advocate for policies that promote the common good. The Church’s social teaching reflects the Gospel’s call to love our neighbor, promote the common good, and uphold the dignity of every human person. These principles give Catholics the tools to live out our personal call to holiness despite the challenges of modern society and to share the truths of the faith. Understanding current issues through the mind of the Church informs our conscience to vote and act accordingly. Although national elections draw much attention, state and local politics directly impact the quality of life of our families and communities. Therefore, our engagement at the local level is vital.
As we discern our choices, let us remember that no candidate is likely to align fully with our positions. And although we may not find a presidential candidate, for example, who aligns with all our values, that is not an excuse to abstain from voting altogether. There is a full ballot of candidates, each with the potential to shape our communities and our future.
As we prepare to vote, let us consider the following when evaluating candidates:
At All Levels:
Who will work to protect life from the moment of conception?
Who will respect the liberty of the Church and the rights of all believers to practice their faith?
Who will defend the rights of free speech and assembly, necessary for a properly functioning democracy?
At the Federal Level:
Who will promote peace among nations and reject the escalation of violence as a means of conflict resolution?
Who will exercise fiscal responsibility and avoid burdening families with inflation and debt?
Who will work for a just and comprehensive immigration policy that respects the well-being of both American citizens and migrants?
At the State Level:
Who will oppose the legalization of assisted suicide?
Who will promote economic security for families, including access to housing?
Who will uphold the rights of parents and support parental choice in education?
Who will steward our state’s natural resources responsibly?
At the Local Level:
Who will advocate for public safety that protects citizens, respects victims, and offers restoration opportunities for offenders?
Who will ensure harmful materials are kept out of public libraries?
Bishop Daniel Felton is the tenth bishop of the Diocese of Duluth.