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"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
Committed to principled nonpartisan engagement in the political process, the Church does not and will not engage in partisan politics. The Church does not support or oppose any candidate or party, but seeks to focus attention on the moral and human dimensions of issues. Materials that mention specific candidates or political parties in any manner are not authorized on parish property.
At the same time, We strongly urge all parishioners to become informed on key issues and vote. In a democracy, loving our neighbor and caring for the least among us means supporting leaders and policies that promote the common good and protect society’s most vulnerable members. Helping Catholics recognize and act on this dimension of their faith is an essential task for parish leaders.
At the same time, We strongly urge all parishioners to become informed on key issues and vote. In a democracy, loving our neighbor and caring for the least among us means supporting leaders and policies that promote the common good and protect society’s most vulnerable members. Helping Catholics recognize and act on this dimension of their faith is an essential task for parish leaders.
Diocesan Policy
Both bishops of North Dakota have adopted for their dioceses a policy that no election-related material may be distributed under the auspices of the parish that mention, in any manner, a candidate or political party.
By example, the diocesan policy prohibits the following types of materials:
For this reason, the policies differ from just the basic legal requirements.
Both bishops of North Dakota have adopted for their dioceses a policy that no election-related material may be distributed under the auspices of the parish that mention, in any manner, a candidate or political party.
By example, the diocesan policy prohibits the following types of materials:
- voter guides that mention a candidate’s position on an issue;
- voting records that state an incumbent’s record on an issue;
- candidate surveys; and
- material that describe a political party’s position on an issue.
For this reason, the policies differ from just the basic legal requirements.