Archbishop Coakley urges Catholics to put faith before politics in November elections

Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, urged Catholics to prioritize their faith over political affiliations ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections. In a statement issued Oct. 14, the Archbishop of Oklahoma City said that the Church's role in public life is not a partisan program but a reflection of its commitment to the dignity of every person.

Archbishop Coakley described voting as both a right and a responsibility for citizens in a representative democracy. He noted that while political division can cause discouragement, such feelings are not a Christian virtue. He encouraged the faithful to support free and fair elections and to ensure that citizens do not face unnecessary complications when registering or voting.

The Archbishop advised Catholics to judge candidates and elected officials by their actions rather than party loyalty. He warned against the belief that criticizing one's own party strengthens political opponents, stating that a well-formed conscience does not operate on those terms. The upcoming midterm elections will determine the balance of power in Congress, state legislatures, and governorships across the country.