Faithful Citizenship

The Catholic Church calls for political engagement shaped by the moral convictions of well-formed consciences focused on the dignity of every human being, the pursuit of the common good, and the protection of the weak and vulnerable. To support this calling, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) offers Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, a teaching document on the political responsibility of Catholics. This resource offers guidance for Catholics in the exercise of their rights and duties as participants in our democracy.

As we approach New Jersey's general election day on November 7, 2023, The New Jersey Catholic Conference will provide this and other resources to assist the faithful with living their responsibility to properly form their consciences; to engage in civil and respectful public dialogue; and to shape political choices in the coming election, and all elections.

• Political Activity Dos and Don’ts - This document provides parishes and other Catholic organizations with guidelines on appropriate political activities during elections season.
• Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship – Catholics have a long tradition of engagement in the public square. Sometimes that engagement requires making difficult moral decisions that impact our own lives and those of others. Forming Your Conscience is a resource from the USCCB that provides tips for making well-reasoned judgments about real-life situations.
• Civilize It – As Catholics, we take to heart Jesus’ invitation to follow the example of the Good Samaritan, who challenges us to “become neighbors to all.” Civilize It is a USCCB program created to help Catholics commit to seeking the truth, building bridges, and finding solutions together that promote the common good. Individuals, families, and communities can all participate by taking a pledge to Civilize It!.
• When the Church encourages Catholics to participate in the public policy debate, she always reminds the faithful of their obligation to properly form their conscience in light of Sacred Scripture and prayerful reflection on Church teaching. Catholics cannot form their conscience in isolation from the teaching of the Church.