November 3, 2012
Dear Brothers and Sisters in
Christ,
This week
the citizens of the United States will elect the political leadership for our
country, our state and our local communities who will guide our government into
the future and will legislate and execute laws that will affect the way of life
in our country. As Catholics it is necessary that we understand the importance
of our participation in this civic activity and exercise our civic duty to
elect office holders who will represent us in the public square. As we choose
from the candidates who have presented themselves, I encourage you to look
carefully at the positions that they have taken and the platforms upon which
they are running and select the individual that you feel in conscience best
reflects the values that you believe as a Catholic are necessary for the common
good in our society. Please make use of the voter guides and resources that
have been provided by the Pennsylvania Catholic Bishops and the United States
Conference of Catholic bishops. These are available at PaCatholic.org.
As you
exercise this civic right and duty, I encourage you to be guided by the
Catholic principles that reflect our understanding of human life and the
intrinsic value and dignity of every human person made in the image and
likeness of God. I ask that you keep in mind our Catholic social teaching and
its emphasis on providing for the common good of all citizens and our right to
religious freedom guaranteed in our constitution.
I encourage all Catholics to make every
effort to fulfill your civic responsibility and vote this Tuesday, November 6th
for our civic leaders. I also ask that we pray for the guidance of the Holy
Spirit in electing leaders that will be able to guide our country with wisdom
and grace and lead us into a time of deeper peace and tranquility. Pray that
those elected will have the strength of character and the integrity of life to
face the challenges confronting our country and work to secure its future for
all citizens.
May the good
Lord continue to shower on our country His blessings and help us to entrust our
nation to His protection as did our Founding Fathers at its foundation.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Joseph P. McFadden
Bishop
of Harrisburg
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