By Karen Barry Schwarz – Special to the Florida Catholic
Recently, the Florida Bishops gathered to discuss the meaning and importance of Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ teaching document on the political responsibility of Catholics. Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship provides guidance for Catholics in the exercise of their rights and duties as participants in our democracy and urges Catholics to shape their political choices in the coming election in light of Catholic teaching. During their discussion, the Florida Bishops took time to share important excerpts from the guide on video, which can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LSkl0zyd4c.
In the Florida Bishops’ discussion, Bishop Frank J. Dewane shares this excerpt from the guide: “It is our responsibility to learn more of Catholic teaching and tradition, to participate in Church life, to learn from trustworthy sources about the issues facing our communities, and to do our best to make wise judgements about candidates and government actions.”
This direction from Bishop Dewane and the USCCB guide is particularly relevant today, given the threat of Amendment 4, a dangerous pro-abortion amendment which seeks to embed unregulated, unrestricted abortion in our state constitution, allowing abortion at any time, for any reason. The Florida Bishops are asking all Floridians to vote NO on Amendment 4, and Parishes in the Diocese of Venice have been sharing information about the dangers of Amendment 4 for months, at Bishop Dewane’s urging.
“The Church has not only a role here, but also a responsibility to its faithful to guide them in the teachings of the Church regarding the important issues of the day,” adds Bishop Dewane. “Every election presents an opportunity to have your voice heard. Make sure that you are voting in good conscience, and that you are doing so with the mind of Christ.”
The USCCB guide shares a prayer from the US Bishops seeking wisdom for all: “May God bless you as you consider and pray over these challenging decisions. May God bless our nation with true wisdom, peace, and mutual forgiveness, that we may decide together, through our democratic processes, to uphold the dignity of life and the common good.”
To read the USCCB’s Forming Consciences for A Faithful Citizenship, visit: https://www.usccb.org/resources/forming-consciences-faithful-citizenship-pdf
To view the Florida Bishops’ videotaped discussion about Forming Consciences for A Faithful Citizenship, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LSkl0zyd4c
For more about Amendment 4, including a video of Bishop Dewane discussing the issue, visit: https://dioceseofvenice.org/respectlife/amendment4
