“In the Catholic tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue; and participation in political life is a moral obligation.”
– “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship,” U.S. Catholic Bishops
The Iowa Catholic Conference has released its “Faithful Citizenship for Iowa Catholics” statement in advance of the 2014 mid-term elections. The document, signed by the diocesan bishops of Iowa, includes a list of questions that all are encouraged to ask of candidates for office.
“A fundamental test of the morality of public policy is whether it supports or threatens human life and the common good,” the statement reads. “We reject the idea that some lives – for example, the unborn, the disabled, the elderly, and the poor around the world – are not worthy of protection.”
The Catholic Church does not endorse or oppose candidates or political parties. However, it contributes to the political process by encouraging Catholics to learn about the church’s teachings and then take action on behalf of the vulnerable, including the poor and unborn. For your information, we have a list of candidates for office in Iowa.
Candidate Listing 2014 General Election
You can download color and grayscale versions (English- and Spanish-language) of the flier:
IowaCatholicConference-FLYER final
IowaCatholicConference-FLYER-Spanish final
IowaCatholicConference Faithful Citizenship Flyer B&W 2014
IowaCatholicConference Faithful Citizenship Spanish Flyer B&W 2014
Resources from the U.S. Catholic bishops on Faithful Citizenship