Gospel Values in an Election Year...and Beyond

With every opportunity to vote, we must ask ourselves vital questions: For whom will I vote? What values do and should inform my political choices? This year, part of the religious context for these questions is the Church’s celebration of the Year of Mercy and the 125th anniversary of The Condition of Labor (Rerum Novarum), the papal encyclical generally recognized as the first of Catholic Social Teaching. This election also follows Pope Francis’ visit to the United States in September 2015. This Update uses these three events to offer guidance for our reflection and action. Forming and examining our consciences in light of gospel values will help us evaluate candidates and platforms—and put these values into action beyond Election Day.