US bishops’ president urges Catholics ‘to put their 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 politics ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections. In a statement issued Oct. 14, the Archbishop of Oklahoma City described voting and participation in public life as both a right and a responsibility for citizens in a representative democracy.

Archbishop Coakley noted that deep political divisions can tempt people to become discouraged and avoid the election process, but he stated that discouragement is not a Christian virtue. He said Catholics can support the common good of the nation by supporting free and fair elections.

The midterm elections will decide the balance of power in Congress, state legislatures, and governorships across the country. Archbishop Coakley also said it is important to ensure that citizens do not encounter unnecessary complications or delays when registering to vote or exercising their right to vote.