Over the last few months I have been approached to offer guidance for the upcoming national election. Many have urged me to endorse one candidate or political party over another. Please know that the Diocese of Burlington does not endorse any individual or political party but teaches that Catholics are encouraged to fulfill their civic duty and vote drawing on both faith and reason to safeguard and ensure the dignity of every human person and promote the common good of all citizens.

That is why I refer all Catholics in our Diocese to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship,” a comprehensive teaching document on the political responsibility of Catholics, which provides guidance for all who seek to exercise their rights and duties as citizens. This document provides a consistent moral framework regarding the issues facing our nation and world and helps guide choices in elections in the light of Catholic Social Teaching. It can be viewed online here.