Bishop Peter J. Jugis of Charlotte and Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Raleigh have released Oct. 3 a survey of N.C. political candidates relating to church social teaching. Additionally, they have released Sept. 23 a joint statement on voter participation.
Joint Statement on Voter Preparation from The Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of Raleigh and The Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis, Bishop of Charlotte
This is released on September 23, 2008, but the survey results are new and can be found here (PDF).
As Americans, we are justly proud of our multifaceted political process. In addition to being a registered voter and voting on Election Day, it is equally important that Catholic citizens are informed on the issues, especially in light of Church teaching, and praying for wisdom and direction.
As Catholics in North Carolina prepare for the upcoming general election in November, we, the Catholic Bishops of North Carolina ask you to make yourself aware of Church teaching to assist you in the formation of your consciences. The statement from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, is an excellent resource to this end. It may be found on our respective diocesan websites and USCCB website (www.usccb.org). We urge you to read and discuss this document with others.
We also note the moral duty we have to vote, both as an exercise of our constitutional right and in adherence to Church teaching. There are numerous opportunities to register as a voter throughout the state, from county libraries to offices of the Division of Motor Vehicles. If you are not registered to vote in North Carolina, please take the steps to register before the deadline of October 10, 2008.
We ask you to pray for divine wisdom and insight as well as for the candidates themselves throughout the time remaining in the campaign season. To this end, the USCCB has provided a novena that we highly recommend to assist you in your spiritual preparations for the upcoming election (www.faithfulcitizenship.org/resources/podcasts).
Reported by the Diocese of Charlotte.
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