In a message released April 15, Bishop Mark Hagemoen wrote to clergy, religious, and laity of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, saying “While no one political party can be promoted at any Catholic Church, it is certainly appropriate to make available the positions of all political parties to moral and social issues.”
All citizens are called to fulfill their responsibilities to inform themselves of the various issues, Hagemoen wrote, pointing to the non-partisan materials prepared by the non-profit organization Catholic Conscience, including a “Voting Like A Catholic” summary, and a resource comparing the various political parties’ published platforms with Catholic Social Teaching (LINK to PDF).
Bishop Hagemoen’s letter and links to resources: rcdos.ca/election
Elections Canada – Voter Information Service: LINK
Related: “Catholics and Democracy: Pray, Discern, Engage” – Article
“For Catholics, voting is not only a duty but involves ongoing education and formation,” Hagemoen stressed.
“A key feature of carrying out one’s duty and responsibility to vote is to exercise and inform one’s conscience. This is particularly important because we are called to be voices that speak to virtue, healing and decency in politics and social engagement,” he added.
“We are also called to be mindful of both personal and community issues and goals – especially in terms of those who are unable to speak for themselves.”
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