|
AUSTIN -- With the 2012 election cycle in full swing, the Texas Catholic Conference (TCC) is gearing up to help Catholic citizens draw upon their faith and moral principles when forming their political and policy decisions.
|
Quick Links to TCC Policy Resources:
|
Accordingly, the TCC is helping publicize the new release of Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship--a guide developed by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to help Catholics incorporate church teaching into their decisions about politics and public affairs. An online, downloadable version of the publication is available at www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithful-citizenship/.
"Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship is an essential document for Catholics who want to understand and integrate Catholic doctrine and reasoning when forming their own decisions," said Jeffery Patterson, TCC executive director.
The updated version of Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship contains a new introductory note that re-affirms the importance of religious freedom in public life. It also discusses some of the contemporary moral questions that Catholics should integrate when forming political conscience; issues involving the protection of life, the defense of marriage, the pursuit of economic fairness, care for the poor, comprehensive immigration reform, and the moral dimensions of war and violence.
"Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship is not a voter's guide, nor does it advance any partisan or ideological perspective," Patterson stressed. "Instead, it emphasizes the obligation of Catholics to participate fully in public life and to do so in a manner that accords with our moral principles."
Patterson said it is not too early for Catholics to inform themselves about the issues facing the state and nation. Political parties are already gearing up for primary elections in the spring, while the federal courts and the U.S. Department of Justice are reviewing the state's redistricting boundaries and the voter identification law that will impact these elections and the capacity of some Texans to vote.
In addition to Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, Patterson also encouraged Catholics to stay connected with the TCC’s policy and political updates through the Texas Catholic Voice e-newsletter and respond to TCC Action Alerts available by email or on Twitter @TXcatholic. People can access these resources and more through the Texas Catholic Conference website, www.TXcatholic.org.
Dozens of resources are now available at www.faithfulcitizenship.org to help you share Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship with your audiences. The resources are divided into several menu sections, including: Church Teaching, All Catholics, Diocesan & Community Leaders, Parishes & Schools, Campuses & Young Adults, Youth, and Media. Here are a few "feature items" from these sections:
- Sample Editorial Calendar with links to resources and videos and suggestions of when you might notify your audiences about these resources throughout the year.
- Four handouts/bulletin inserts
Videos on a variety of topics, ranging from conscience formation to political participation to poverty.
|
