Guided by Human Dignity: Voting with a Catholic Conscience

The Catholic bishops of Minnesota encourage all Catholics to vote in the 2024 election, guided by prayer, with a focus on human dignity. Recognizing that every person is made in the image and likeness of God and therefore has inherent dignity, the bishops emphasize that many issues debated by elected officials significantly impact this principle. On April 2, 2024, the Church released a Declaration on Human Dignity, titled Dignitatis Infinita. This document provides insights into how contemporary issues such as abortion, war, poverty, assisted suicide, and gender relate to human dignity.

The Minnesota Catholic Conference urges Catholics to utilize this declaration alongside the USCCB's Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship to educate themselves and guide their voting decisions for local, state, and federal offices in the upcoming November election. While no candidate may fully align with all Catholic values, we are called to participate actively in shaping our communities through thoughtful and prayerful civic engagement.

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Parish Guidelines for Political Activity

As Catholics, we must never be afraid of bringing our faith into the public square. However, because the Church is not a political entity, we must make sure that our individual advocacy efforts are kept distinct from the Church’s teaching voice. Our guidelines for parish and church organization political activity, clearly lay out which activities are prohibited and which are permissible.

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Political Activity Guidelines for Parish and Church Organizations

2024 Election Timeline

SEPTEMBER 20: Early Voting Begins
NOVEMBER 5: Election Day 2024. The president and numerous legislators will be decided in this general election.

Resources from the Minnesota Secretary of State

Why Your Vote Matters

Civilize It: A Better Kind of Politics

Pope Francis calls for “a better kind of politics” in response to the polarization and division within our Church and nation. Inspired by the example of the Good Samaritan, we are encouraged to see ourselves as one family, seeking the common good. The Civilize It: A Better Kind of Politics initiative invites Catholics to take a pledge to seek the truth, build bridges, and find solutions together. Join us today in loving God by encountering every neighbor as a sister or brother. Take the pledge at www.usccb.org/civilizeit.