2008 Elections |
|||
|
"We commit ourselves to ongoing education of ourselves and others in areas crucial to our life and ministry." - IHM Assembly 1987 on Education
The Issue The outcome of the 2008 elections will have a significant impact on foreign and domestic policies including the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, poverty, global climate change, immigration, national security, energy policy, health care and numerous other issues that will determine the type of influence the United States will have in the world for decades to come. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops urges citizens "to see beyond party politics, to analyze campaign rhetoric critically and to choose their political leaders according to principle, not party affiliation or mere self-interest." The IHM Justice, Peace and Sustainability Office and the Indiana/Michigan Justice Promoters will be compiling a list of events and resources throughout 2008 to help faithful citizens reflect on the issues at stake and to discern political choices based on the common good, the preferential option for the poor and other principles of Catholic social teaching. Check back to this Web site for additional resources. Events of interest to voters Resources by topic
Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship
Back to List of Resources Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States. - This statement urges Catholics to be involved in public life and to use the values of their faith to shape their political choices. It does not tell Catholics who to vote for, but rather to make choices that promote the common good. Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life) - This 1995 encyclical by Pope John Paul II expresses the position of the Catholic Church on the value and inviolability of human life. "What Do We Desire? The Future of Faith and Citizenship" - Serene Jones won an Award of Merit in the long-format theological reflection category for this article, which was published in Reflections, the magazine of Yale Divinity School. Serene Jones is a Yale professor. She recently became the first female president of Union Theological Seminary in New York City. Consistent Ethic of Life Background Sheet - This resource by Educaton for Justice provides an overview of and background information on the Catholic Social Teaching principal of a Consistent Ethic of Life which maintains that all life is sacred from the moment of conception through natural death. Principles and Policies for Christian Voters - This issue guide for Christians, published by Sojourners, urging voters to create a more just and peaceful world is organized around the following principles and policies: compassion and economic justice; peace and restraint of violence; consistent ethic of life; racial justice; human rights, dignity and gender justice; strengthen families and renew culture; and good stewardship of God's creation. A Consistent Ethic of Life - Kenneth Overberg, SJ, provides an explanation and analysis of the church's teachings on the Consistent Ethic of Life. Reducing Abortion in America: The Effect of Economic and Social Supports -Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good published findings of a groundbreaking study that reveals specific ways to prevent and reduce the number of abortions in America. This is part of the ongoing efforts of the commitment of the Alliance Catholic to promote a consistent culture of life rooted in human dignity. Pro-Life Means All Life - The Catholics United Team produced this flyer to help paint a vision of a true pro-life agenda, and to provide valuable talking points for activists who want to be more familiar with the social teachings of our church. Back to List of Resources Catholic Social Teaching: The Common Good Platform for the Common Good - Over 800 Catholics and other people of faith gathered in Philadelphia in July for a Convention for the Common Good, This historic gathering brought together delegates from more than 20 Catholic social justice organizations and religious communities and culminated with the unveiling of a "Platform for the Common Good." The platform is an inspiring vision for how Catholic social teaching addresses some of the most urgent moral and political challenges of our time. Voting the Common Good: Election 2008 - These materials, from the Center of Concern, are meant to help voters participate actively in the current political campaigns as informed and faithful Christians. The page will be updated on the 1st and 15th of each month. Topics will include immigration, international relations, jobs and outsourcing, poverty, Iraq and security, health care, and climate change. Other topics may be developed as the campaigns evolve. Elections 2008: A Practical Resource - This voter guide, from the Sisters of Mercy of The Americas, provides non-partisan educational materials for reflection and preparation for the debates, primaries and the general election. The guide suggests questions on the topics of poverty, immigration, racism, nonviolence, women and Earth. Campaign 2008: Redefining "National Security" - Throughout this presidential campaign, voters will hear candidates talk a great deal about "national security." The Indiana/Michigan Justice Promoters have created a voter education packet that expands the definition of security to encompass the needs of all living beings and helps voters reframe election issues in terms of sustainable international security. The complete packet can be downloaded using the above link or individual sections can be downloaded below:
Catholics United: Democratic Presidential Voter Guide - Using a lens of human dignity and the common good, Catholics United examined all the major Democratic candidates' positions on important moral issues facing our country. These issues include the Iraq war, poverty, abortion, the death penalty, health care, immigration, care for the earth and foreign policy. Catholics United: Republican Presidential Voter Guide - Same as above, for the Republican candidates. This resource contains a list of excellent, non-partisan resources for educators and others to consult for election information. The listings include brief descriptions, links, and the kinds of resources you will find on the sites. http://www.educationforjustice.org/system/files/ElectionWebSites08.pdf Back to List of Resources Issue Analysis Economic Justice 2008 Presidential Candidate Health Care Proposals - This side-by-side comparison of the candidates' positions on health care, prepared by the Kaiser Family Foundation, highhlights information on the candidates' positions related to access to health care coverage, cost containment, improving quality of care and financing. Energy and Climate Poverty Network Presidential Candidate Chart - Learn about the positions of the presidential candidates in the context of Catholic Social Teaching. This chart is a tool for placing the candidates' positions within the framework of preference for those who are vulnerable; solidarity and stewardship; and human dignity and life. Foreign PolicyLoving Our Neighbor in a Shrinking World - The Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns has published this 12-page booklet addressing crucial foreign policy issues that should be considered during this year's campaign cycle. Included are reflections and questions for candidates on economic justice, migration, climate change, peace and security, and HIV/AIDS. Back to List of Resources By the People: Election 2004 - Although it was created for the 2004 presidential election, this Web site from PBS features a number of valuable and timeless "Savvy Voter" tools which teach you how to dissect a camapign ad, interpret a debate, analyze poll results, evaluate a platform, assess a Web site and view media coverage of elections critically. |
