Participation in political life also requires judgments about concrete circumstances. While the bishops help form the laity in accordance with basic principles, they do not tell the laity to vote for particular candidates. On these often complex matters, 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.

From the Introductory Note, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, USCCB.

My dear family in Christ,

We are less than three weeks away from election day, and whether we are considering the national election for President, or our local elections, it is important for us to take this civic responsibility seriously.

Over the last several months I have received requests to offer guidance on the election and how to vote.  I have consistently suggested that Catholics turn to the USCCB document, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, which offers clear guidance on how Catholics ought to approach exercising their right to vote. This includes suggestions on applying Catholic moral and social teaching to the major issues which we face as a nation. Some have responded to this suggestion by stating that I am abandoning my responsibility to offer more specific advice or suggestions as it relates to candidates and parties.  However, I must respectfully disagree with those who believe I should be directing individuals which parties to support and how to vote, whether nationally or locally.

As a priest and especially as a pastor, I understood that I was looked at as someone who should provide clarity on the teaching of the Church on any number of issues.  I accepted the responsibility to teach authentically what we believe and encouraged parishioners to allow their faith to influence all areas of their lives, including the political aspect.  As a bishop, I now have an even greater responsibility to convey what the Church teaches regarding faith and morals, especially concerning human dignity, for which I am committed to doing so. I must continue to challenge Catholics to allow the faith we profess in Jesus Christ and His Church to inform and guide all areas of their lives. However, as I try to help form consciences by proclaiming the Gospel, I must respect the conscience of each individual as they live out their lives.  I may disagree with people’s decisions, and I may have to offer correction to individuals because of what they say or do, but it is necessary that I respect their consciences.

So, as we come to the election, I encourage all Catholics in Vermont to exercise their civic duty.  Before casting a vote, pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance to ensure that your decision is made motivated by our faith. Then, having considered carefully all the issues we face on a local, state, national, and international level, and remembering the pre-eminence we are called to give to protecting and promoting human dignity from the beginning of life to the end, vote.  Then, after voting, pray for all those elected to public office that they strive to serve the common good and not just a party or platform.

Finally, it is my hope and prayer that the anger and hostility that seems to have overwhelmed recent political debates and contests will be replaced by a spirit of cooperation and compromise so that we can all work together, despite political differences, to form a more perfect union for all.

God alone suffices!

+John J. McDermott

Bishop of Burlington