Carry out your essential duty and vote on Nov. 2
As Catholics we bring a unique vision to the public debate and when we vote, we declare both our loyal service to our nation and devoted service to our God.
With a properly formed conscience on the vital issues of our time, I encourage you, after serious study and reflection, to carry out your moral and civic duty and vote in the upcoming election.
In the U.S. bishops' document, "Faithful Citizenship," we read, "In the Catholic tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue and participation in political life is a moral obligation. This obligation is rooted in our baptismal commitment to follow Jesus Christ and bear Christian witness in all we do. This obligation is in inherent in the dignity of the human person…"
Many critical issues lay before our community, our state and our nation in the near future. A strong, moral and compassionate voice must be heard at the ballot box if Catholics are to carry out their rightful role in building a just society that respects the dignity of every human person. I pray that each of you will responsibly and prayerfully carry out our essential duty as citizens and Catholics …. and vote.
Bishop Oscar Cantu