Sometimes we are confronted with an election in which the candidates for both major political parties support issues contrary to Catholic Social Teaching.
What do we do? Not vote?
That's when we look for guidance in "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship," a booklet published by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
"Faithful Citizenship" tells us that "in the Catholic Tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation." (paragraph 13)
For the specific dilemma outlined, "Faithful Citizenship" offers the following guidance:
"The voter may decide to take the extraordinary step of not voting for any candidate or, after careful deliberation, may decide to vote for the candidate deemed less likely to advance such a morally flawed position and more likely to pursue other authentic human goods. … These decisions should take into account a candidate's commitments, character, integrity, and ability to influence a given issue." (paragraphs 36-37)
Please vote on Nov. 4, and do so with a well-informed conscience.