2020 Election Resources

Election Day in Minnesota is Tuesday, November 3rd

This is your home for 2020 Catholic election resources!

 

Civilize It!

As Catholics, we have a long tradition of engagement in the political process as a means of putting our faith into action. We are called to bring the best of ourselves and our faith to the public square—and yet today, many shy away from such involvement because our national and local conversations are filled with vitriol and harsh language, often directed at people themselves.

As Catholics, we must model a better way. The USCCB invites you to join the Civilize It campaign by taking the pledge below as a way to promote civility, love our neighbors, and build community.

Click here to take the Civilize It pledge as an individual, family, or community. Then use the resources below to prepare your heart and mind for Election Day.

Form Your Conscience

  • The Role of Politics in the Modern World:

    A presentation by Jason Adkins, Executive Director of the Minnesota Catholic Conference in which you’ll learn why the Church calls us to be faithful citizens and how to live out our faith in the public arena and what that looks like in terms of voting.

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. This election resource, created in July 2016, provides guidelines for parish and diocesan political activity, clearly laying out which activities are prohibited and which are permissible.

 

  • Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship

“Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship” is the official Election Year teaching of the U.S. Catholic bishops. This resource provides guidance for Catholics in the exercise of their rights and duties as participants in our democracy, lifting up our dual heritage as both faithful Catholics and American citizens. The Faithful Citizenship webpage includes additional resources, such as bulletin inserts and informational videos.

 

  • Living the Gospel of Life: A Challenge to American Catholics

Read through “Living the Gospel of Life: A Challenge to American Catholics“. Originally released in 1998 by the USCCB, “Living the Gospel of Life” is still a viable election resource for American Catholics looking to form their consciences in preparation for elections in 2020. It contextualizes our present-day policy debates within deeper shifts and trends in society’s consideration of human life and dignity.

Copies can be ordered through the USCCB Store.

 

 

 

Visit our Novena page to find great videos, prayers, reflections, and discernment questions.

 

Additional Resources From Our Archive

Bridge Builder Podcast 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Faith in the Public Arena

Inform Your Vote

  • Plan A Town Hall at your parish! Ahead of the November 3rd elections, create the opportunity for Catholics in your legislative district to form their consciences and faithfully inform their vote. Host a candidate town hall!

 

 

The Secretary of State’s website provides a number of helpful election resources to get you ready for Election Day. Visit the links below.

Transform Our State

Catholic Advocacy Network

Join the Catholic Advocacy Network to easily take action and stay informed on issues, policies, and legislation throughout the year. This is an easy way to let your legislators know about issues that are important to you.