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The new text of "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship," approved by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops on Nov. 17, is now available online.
The 42-page text, consisting of a new brief introductory note plus a revised version of the 2007 version of "Faithful Citizenship," were drafted by a group of 10 USCCB chairs headed by Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston.
The documents were challenged on the floor but were overwhelmingly passed, according to NCR reporter Tom Roberts. For Michael Sean Winters analysis of the meeting see part one and part two.
The introductory note states that "this version draws on the wealth of papal teaching since the 2007 version of Faithful Citizenship, such as the later magisterium of Pope Benedict XVI and that of Pope Francis to date."
It also says that "The document is also updated to take account of recent developments in the United States in both domestic and foreign policy:
• The ongoing destruction of over one million innocent human lives each year by abortion
• Physician-assisted suicide
• The redefinition of marriage—the vital cell of society—by the courts, political bodies, and increasingly by American culture itself
• The excessive consumption of material goods and the destruction of natural resources, which harm both the environment and the poor
• The deadly attacks on fellow Christians and religious minorities throughout the world
• The narrowing redefinition of religious freedom, which threatens both individual conscience and the freedom of the Church to serve
• Economic policies that fail to prioritize the poor, at home or abroad;
• A broken immigration system and a worldwide refugee crisis
• Wars, terror, and violence that threaten every aspect of human life and dignity."
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The document, "Faithful Citizenship," is divided into three parts:
- Part I - The U.S. Bishops' Reflection on Catholic Teaching and Political Life
- Part II - Applying Catholic Teaching to Major Issues: A Summary of Policy Positions of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
- Part III - Goals for Political Life: Challenges for Citizens, Candidates, and Public Officials
The NCR will continue to analyze this document and to cover the elections in the months ahead.