“In this statement, we bishops do not intend to tell Catholics for whom or against whom to vote.”
 
So begins Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States (FC).
 
Issues are different. The bishops call attention to issues … “that should be carefully considered in each campaign and as policy decisions are made in the years to come” (#63)
 
Some issues involve principles that can never be abandoned. Others reflect theirs judgment about the best way to apply Catholic principles to policy issues. (Cf. #63)
 
“While people of good will may sometimes choose different ways to apply and act on some of our principles, Catholics cannot ignore their inescapable moral challenges or simply dismiss the Church's guidance or policy directions that flow from these principles” (#63)
 
“Catholic voters should use the framework of Catholic social teaching to examine candidates' positions on issues affecting human life and dignity and issues of justice and peace …” (#41)” “[Four permanent] principles provide a moral framework for Catholic engagement in advancing what we have called elsewhere a ‘consistent ethic of life’ (Living the Gospel of Life, no. 22)” (#40).
 
DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON
“Human life is sacred. The dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society. Direct attacks on innocent persons are never morally acceptable, at any stage or in any condition.” (#44)
 
“We stand opposed to these and all activities that contribute to what Pope Francis has called ‘a throwaway culture’” (#45).
 
“The ongoing destruction of over one million innocent human lives each year by abortion” (Introduction).
 
“Reasonable restrictions on assault weapons and handguns” (Introduction).
 
“Wars, terror, and violence that threaten every aspect of human life and dignity” (Introduction).
 
 
SUBSIDIARITY
“Neither the state nor any larger society should substitute itself for the initiative and responsibility of individuals and intermediary bodies” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1894).
 
The family should be defended and strengthened. (Cf. #46)
 
“Every person and association has a right and a duty to participate actively in shaping society and to promote the well-being of all, especially the poor and vulnerable” (#47).
 
COMMON GOOD
“In the concept of the common good, community and individual needs take priority over private wants” (The Columbia River Watershed: Caring for Creation and the Common Good).
 
“Human dignity is respected and the common good is fostered only if human rights are protected and basic responsibilities are met” (#49).
 
“The economy must serve people, not the other way around. It is therefore necessary that an economic system serve the dignity of the human person and the common good by respecting the dignity of work and protecting the rights of workers” (#50).
 
“We have a duty to care for God's creation …” (#51).
 
“The excessive consumption of material goods and the destruction of natural resources, which harm both the environment and the poor” (Introduction).
 
SOLIDARITY
“We are one human family, whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differences. We are our brothers' and sisters' keepers, wherever they may be.” (#52)
 
“The pain of one, even the smallest member, is the pain of all” (St. Augustine, Sermo Denis).
 
“A special emphasis must be given to the Church's preferential option for the poor. While the common good embraces all, those who are weak, vulnerable, and most in need deserve preferential concern. A basic moral test for any society is how it treats those who are most vulnerable.” (#53)
 
“Economic policies that fail to prioritize the poor, at home or abroad” (Introduction).
 
“A broken immigration system and a worldwide refugee crisis” (Introduction).

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