N.J. Bishops on Catholic voter responsibility
October 22, 2001
Dear Members of the Catholic Community:
As another election approaches, we, the Catholic Bishops of New Jersey,
reach out to encourage you to vote and to exercise that right in accordance with
consciences formed in the light of your faith and the teachings of the Catholic
Church. As bishops, we are aware of our primary responsibility as teachers of
faith and morals to help people follow God's laws and do His will. We have
always made it clear that we never intend to instruct people on how they should
vote by endorsing or opposing candidates and we do not do so today.
In 1998, as members of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, we
adopted a statement,
Living the Gospel of Life: A
Challenge to American Catholics. In that document, we noted our obligation
to remind all Americans, including political leaders, and especially those who
are Catholics. We said: "No public official, especially one claiming to be a
faithful and serious Catholic, can responsibly advocate for or actively support
direct attacks on innocent human life." Thus, we consistently call upon all
candidates to exercise genuine moral leadership by supporting laws that promote
respect for the human person at all stages of life from conception to natural
death.
We also call upon Catholic voters to use their voting privilege to
reflect a choice of candidates who respect and sustain the dignity of all human
life. Such choices make clear to all candidates that life issues are a
determining factor in our voting decisions.
We pray that Catholics will exercise their vote for Governor and members
of the Legislature in the context of Catholic moral teaching. Exercising the
right to vote is not only a moral obligation but also should be a manifestation
of our faith. As Catholics we must commit ourselves to carry the values of the
Gospel and Church teaching into the public square. As citizens we have very
right to conscientiously participate in the selection of the leaders who will
guide our state in the days ahead.
Faithfully yours in Christ,
Most Reverend John J. Myers, Archbishop of Newark
Most Reverend Nicohlas DiMarzio, Bishop of Camden
Most Reverend Frank J. Rodimer, Bishop of Paterson
Most Reverend John M. Smith, Bishop of Trenton
Apostolic Administrator of Metuchen
Most Reverend Andrew Pataki, Bishop of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of
Passaic
Most Reverend Joseph Younan, Bishop of Our Lady of Deliverance Diocese
Most Reverend David Arias, Auxiliary Bishop of Newark
Most Reverend Paul G. Bootkoski, Auxiliary Bishop of Newark
Most Reverend Charles J. McDonnell, Auxiliary Bishop of Newark
Most Reverend Arthur J. Serratelli, Auxiliary Bishop of Newark
