Public Policy

The Church urges Catholics to participate in political life. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us, “It is necessary that all participate, according to his position and role, in promoting the common good. This is inherent in the dignity of the human person … As far as possible, citizens should take an active part in public life” (see nos. 1913-1915).

Catholics are called to political involvement guided by moral principles. The dignity of all human life from conception until natural death is the paramount principle from which all others flow.

The Church does not serve the interests of a particular party or interest group but calls all people of goodwill to see the inherent value of human life because we are all made in the image and likeness of God.  Once this is accepted as our grounding moral principle, we naturally will want to work to protect human life and nurture human life to fulfillment, which means working to meet the needs of those marginalized in society and giving voice to those who lack a strong voice to protect their human rights and their well-being.

The mission of Catholic Charities is to be a ministry of “charity, service, and justice.” Catholic Charities provides educational events and mailings in the Diocese of Charlotte to help you stay informed and have a voice in public policy matters. These resources are based on Catholic Social Teaching and often accompany campaigns and alerts from our bishop and other Catholic entities.

Faithful Citizenship Resources

Faithful Citizenship Quotes

“It is commendable that in today’s democratic societies, in a climate of true freedom, everyone is made a participant in directing the body politic. Such societies call for new and fuller forms of participation in public life by Christian and non-Christian citizens alike. Indeed, all can contribute by voting in elections for lawmakers and government officials, and in other ways as well, to the development of political solutions and legislative choices, which, in their opinion, will benefit the common good. The life of a democracy could not be productive without the active, responsible, and generous involvement of everyone, albeit in a diversity and complementarity of forms, levels, tasks, and responsibilities.” – Doctrinal Note on Some Questions Regarding the Participation of Catholics in Political Life, l. 1., Vatican City, 2002

“We need to participate for the common good. Sometimes we hear: a good Catholic is not interested in politics. This is not true: good Catholics immerse themselves in politics by offering the best of themselves so that the leader can govern.” – Pope Francis, 2013

“All political activity must serve and promote the good of the human person and be based on respect for his or her dignity.” – Pope Francis, 2015

“In the face of unjust and painful situations, faith brings us the light which scatters the darkness.” – Pope Francis, 2015

“In prayer, our hearts find the strength not to be cold and insensitive in the face of situations of injustice. In prayer, God keeps calling us, opening our hearts to charity.” – Pope Francis, 2015

“If politics must truly be at the service of the human person, it follows that it cannot be a slave to the economy and finance. Politics is, instead, an expression of our compelling need to live as one in order to build as one the greatest common good: that of a community which sacrifices particular interests in order to share, in justice and peace, its goods, its interests, its social life. I do not underestimate the difficulty that this involves, but I encourage you in this effort.” – Pope Francis, 2015

“The people are sovereign. I will only say: Study the proposals well, pray, and choose in conscience.” – Pope Francis, 2016