U.S. bishops to urge Catholic voters to put faith before politics

Archbishop Shelton Fabre, representing the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, released two videos on October 1 urging Catholic voters to prioritize their faith over political identity. The messages, titled "Forming Our Consciences and Voting" and "The Call to Put Faith Before Politics," come as voters prepare for the November 3 midterm elections.

Fabre, who chairs the USCCB Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, stated that a person's identity in Christ must precede any political affiliation. He described voting as a moral act based on the dignity of human life, charity, and the pursuit of the common good. The Archbishop advised Catholics to form their consciences through the Gospel and Church teaching to become better disciples of Jesus Christ.

The bishops encouraged voters to participate in civic life through prayer, charity, and commitment to the common good. This guidance arrives ahead of the midterm elections, which will determine control of Congress, dozens of governorships, and hundreds of state offices.