This 2019 limited revision of Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship includes a new Introductory Letter and gives pastoral guidance to help Catholics in the United States exercise their political responsibility well.
The Introductory Letter responds to new social and political developments in the United States, especially with regard to respect for human life and dignity, as well as the ongoing guidance and teachings of Pope Francis. The content of Part I, II, and III of this teaching document remains unchanged from the 2015 statement. This revision also includes a new Prayer for Faithful Citizenship.
This important document on political responsibility, read in its totality, will guide Catholics as they discern how to be faithful citizens. Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship continues to present to the Catholic faithful, and all those of good will, an up-to-date guide to help form consciences as they participate in the civil order and public life.The Catholic bishops of the United States are pleased to offer once again to the Catholic faithful Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, our teaching document on the political responsibility of Catholics. This statement represents our guidance for Catholics in the exercise of their rights and duties as participants in our democracy. We urge our pastors, lay and religious faithful, and all people of good will to use this statement to help form their consciences; to teach those entrusted to their care; to contribute to civil and respectful public dialogue; and to shape political choices in the coming election in light of Catholic teaching. The statement lifts up our dual heritage as both faithful Catholics and American citizens with rights and duties as participants in the civil order.