Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As we approach the upcoming election, I am writing to share a valuable resource that will aid people in making informed decisions as faithful citizens.
The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference has released its Voter Guide for the upcoming election, detailing the positions of presidential candidates on several key issues that align with our Catholic values. A statewide voter guide is also included, but as you will see, there was difficulty in getting candidates to respond to questionnaires.
In its document, “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship,” the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops emphasizes the moral obligation we have to participate in the democratic process. It reminds us, as Catholics, we are called to engage in the political process, not only as citizens, but as stewards of God’s creation.
Participating in elections is not merely a right; it is a duty that stems from our commitment to the common good. I encourage all people to register to vote and participate in the political process.
While clergy help form the laity in accordance with basic principles, they do not tell people to vote for particular candidates. As stated in Faithful Citizenship, it is the laity’s responsibility to form their consciences and “grow in the virtue of prudence to approach the many and varied issues of the day with the mind of Christ,” recognizing that our choices can significantly affect the lives of the vulnerable and marginalized in our communities.
Therefore, I encourage all people to reflect on the issues, assess each candidates’ positions and pray for guidance and wisdom in making decisions.
For your reference, the attached Pennsylvania Catholic Conference Voter Guides are the only authorized materials that can be reproduced or distributed on parish property in the Diocese of Scranton. The Voter Guides are currently available on the Diocese of Scranton website at dioceseofscranton.org and will be printed in the October 17th edition of The Catholic Light.
May God bless our nation with true wisdom and peace, and we pray that the Holy Spirit will guide our electoral process in the weeks ahead!
Faithfully yours in Christ,
Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera
Bishop of Scranton
Resources
2024 PA Presidential Voter Guide
2024 PA Presidential Voter Guide (Spanish)
2024 State Voter Guide – Scranton
Introductory Notes to Faithful Citizenship Document
Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship
Introductory Notes to Faithful Citizenship Document (Spanish)
Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship (Spanish)
Faithful Citizenship Webinar – October 9, 2024
Prayer Before an Election
Lord God, as the election approaches,
we seek to better understand the issues and concerns that confront our state and country, and how the Gospel compels us to respond as faithful citizens in our community.
We ask for eyes that are free from blindness
so that we might see each other as brothers and sisters,
one and equal in dignity,
especially those who are victims of abuse and violence, deceit and poverty.
We ask for ears that will hear the cries of children unborn and those abandoned,
Men and women oppressed because of race or creed, religion or gender.
We ask for minds and hearts that are open to hearing the voice of leaders who will bring us closer to your Kingdom.
We pray for discernment
so that we may choose leaders who hear your Word,
live your love,
and keep in the ways of your truth
as they follow in the steps of Jesus and his Apostles
and guide us to your Kingdom of justice and peace.
We ask this in the name of your Son Jesus Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Credit: USCCB