Here Comes the Presidential Race

The 2004 presidential primaries began last week, with the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary kicking off the series that will lead to the general election in November. Nine Democratic candidates are competing to take on President George Bush, and as the weeks go by, their numbers will be reduced to one. This process is American democracy at work.

Young adults are less likely to vote or involve themselves in politics than other age groups. It's time for young Catholics to buck that trend - even if they aren't old enough to vote. Remember, a small number of votes in Florida made the difference in the last presidential election.

As Catholics, God calls us to shape our country using the Gospel. We do that through active participation in elections. Here are some ideas for how to raise your voice - and live your faith - during this campaign:.

Search the web. Compare candidates' stands to church stands on issues like the war in Iraq, treatment of the poor, health care, abortion, and immigrant rights.

Volunteer for a candidate you think has the most "pro-Gospel" positions. Even if you can't vote, they'd love to have you as a volunteer.

Move beyond the old categories of Democrat and Republican. Challenge classmates and teachers to talk about where each candidate reflects or rejects Gospel positions.

Start a presidential election debate club that meets regularly through the year and compares candidate positions and tactics to the Gospel and church teachings.

For more information on Catholic positions on political issues, visit NETWORK's website . NETWORK is a Catholic lobbying group in Washington.

Catholic Connections

A Catholic moral framework does not easily fit the ideologies of "right" or "left," nor the platforms of any party. Our values are often not "politically correct." Believers are called to be a community of conscience within the larger society and to test public life by the values of Scripture and the principles of Catholic social teaching. Our responsibility is to measure all candidates, policies, parties, and platforms by how they protect or undermine the life, dignity, and rights of the human person...whether they protect the poor and vulnerable and advance the common good. In the Catholic tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue; participation in the political process is a moral obligation. Every vote counts.
- Faithful Citizenship: A Catholic Call to Political Responsibility, U.S. Catholic Bishops

Reflection Questions

As a Catholic, what are two or three positions that you are looking for in a presidential candidate?

Join us in our Forum to discuss these questions!