Faithful Citizenship

Civilize It

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Civilize It

In a season when elections and public issues can deepen divisions, followers of Christ are called to be witnesses of hope, charity, and truth. Jesus teaches us to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31) and reminds us that every person is created in the image and likeness of God. Even when we disagree, we are called to see Christ in one another and to speak with respect, humility, and compassion.

Civil discourse begins by recognizing the inherent dignity of the person before us. Respect does not require agreement, but it does require listening, seeking understanding, and responding with love. As St. Paul reminds us, we are to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15).

We strive to keep our discussions civil, even when we disagree. We must not be enemies. . . but members of one family living in one common home. We identify common values. We listen to understand. To distinguish between: positions and people; policies and core values; inconsistency and hypocrisy.

The St. Francis Parish - Life, Peace & Justice Ministry invites you to ...

Bring Christ's Peace into
Election Season

by participating in our series of discussions!
We are hosting at St. Francis' Assisi Center
a series of
in-person Conversations/Workshops

facilitated by

Braver Angels Alliance of Washtenaw County.

These workshops explore practical ways to engage in difficult conversations with civility, deepen our capacity to listen, and become faithful witnesses to the Gospel in our families, workplaces, parishes, and communities.

Please SIGN-UP now RSVP here!!!.

Additional resources are available at:

SIGN-UP now
RSVP here!!!.

Facilitating advocacy in our community

The St. Francis Parish - Life, Peace & Justice Committee invites you to take action on specific legislative issues that are of interest to us as Catholics. During the months prior to an election, each of us must make decisions as to how we will vote, and, we seek to consider the important issues before voting. On this page you will find information to give you a starting point on important legislative issues to make it easy to sort through candidates and issues before you enter the voting booth.

The Catholic Church in the United States does not endorse candidates or political parties. It speaks only on issues. The official positions of the Church concerning elections are stated in the document Forming Consciences for Faithful citizenship and in documents issued by the Michigan Catholic Conference. All other documents and statements that you may come across are the opinions of individual Catholics and groups and may or may not represent the official teaching of the Church.

The Church has important wisdom to share on the issues and offers reflections on the various issues. These are the official positions of the Church. They are given to help you better form your consciences and to make decisions regarding the elections. We encourage you to read these articles. Ultimately, each person must make their own decision and vote as their conscience informs them.