God of all nations,
Father of the human family,
we give you thanks for the freedom we exercise
and the many blessings of democracy we enjoy
in these United States of America.
We ask for your protection and guidance
for all who devote themselves to the common good,
working for justice and peace at home and around the world.
We lift up all our duly elected leaders and public servants,
those who will serve us as president, as legislators and judges,
those in the military and law enforcement.
Heal us from our differences and unite us, O Lord,
with a common purpose, dedication, and commitment to achieve liberty and justice
in the years ahead for all people,
and especially those who are most vulnerable in our midst.
Amen.
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
The elections are over but faithful citizenship continues.
Election results
For the first time in 20 years, Iowa elected a Democratic governor. Rob Sand will take office early next year. Democrat Josh Turek will replace the retiring Republican Joni Ernst as one of our state’s Senators. Democrats also flipped three out of four U.S. House seats.
Republicans retained control of both legislative chambers in the state, losing 11 seats in the House for a 56-44 majority. Republicans maintained a 32-17 advantage in the state Senate. There will be a special election in District 11 because of Sarah Trone Garriott’s victory in the U.S. House race.
The ICC advised a “no” vote on Amendment 1, a proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot. The measure was approved on Election Day by a 56% – 44% margin. A two-thirds majority in each legislative chamber will now be required to raise the state’s income tax.
The new General Assembly is set to gavel in on Monday, Jan. 11.
Witnessing to Hope
ICC and diocesan staff from Iowa attended the regional “Witness to Hope: Pastoral Care of Immigrant Communities from a Catholic Perspective” in St. Louis on Oct. 24. Practical information was shared about parish and diocesan pastoral care plans. There was also discussion of working for better national policies that control the border while rejecting an oversimplification of immigration that disregards the human lives and families involved.
Across the United States, approximately 2,750 pregnancy help centers offer life-affirming support to pregnant and parenting women in need. In celebrating their witness to life, and in advance of Pregnancy Help Appreciation Week, November 9-13, Bishop Daniel E. Thomas, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Pro-Life Activities, issued the following statement:
“Pregnancy help organizations, maternity homes, medical and resource help centers, and adoption agencies provide heroic services every day to anyone in need. Many pregnancy care centers offer free medical services, including ultrasounds, prenatal and postnatal care, and referrals for free or low-cost childbirth. They also provide resources such as baby clothes and diapers, childcare, career services, referrals for housing, and much more.”
The ICC anticipates continuing to support a tax credit for donations to maternity homes during the 2027 session.
