"From the dawn of the Republic, America’s quest for freedom has been guided by the conviction that the principles governing political and social life are intimately linked to a moral order based on the dominion of God the Creator."

- Pope Benedict XVI on his visit to the United States



As people of faith and reason, Catholics are called to bring truth to political life. Faith helps us see more clearly the requirements of a good society, namely respect for the dignity of all human life and a commitment to the common good.




A well-formed conscience equips us to address political questions. “Conscience is a judgment of reason whereby the human person recognizes the moral quality of a concrete act. . . . [Every person] is obliged to follow faithfully what he [or she] knows to be just and right” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1778). We have a lifelong obligation to form our consciences in accord with human reason, enlightened by the teaching of Christ as it comes to us through the Church.



The questions for candidates on this site are intended to help guide Catholics in their efforts to make moral and prudential decisions about candidates and public policies. Please use these questions when contacting candidates for local and state public office.

Some issues are more important than others. Some concern policies, like attacks on human life, that a Catholic can never support. Catholics can legitimately disagree about how to address some other issues. All the issues, however, deserve our attention.

To obtain more information on Catholic social teaching, public policy issues, and ideas for engaging in faithful citizenship, contact the North Dakota Catholic Conference (1-888-419-1237).



Find out the candidates’ positions on each of the issues. Look beyond party politics, analyze campaign rhetoric critically, and choose political leaders according to the principles of your faith. To find out who is running for office in your area and where to vote, contact the Secretary of State(800-352-0867).



Catholics have an obligation to participate in the democratic process. Remember to vote and, no matter what the outcome, become involved in the legislative process. One way to get involved is by joining the Legislative Action Network.





Download this set of principles for printing and distribution.