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Compassion and Values in Your Voting Booth

October 08, 2020
By CSA Sisters of St. Agnes

FAN TitleThe Franciscan Action Network (FAN) recently developed three new videos, each about 2 minutes in length which have themes inspired by Pope Francis: Care for Creation, Compassion at the Border, and Morality in Government.

In these divisive times, it is so important to be open to civil discourse about societal issues. Franciscans have always been rooted in relationships and respect for human dignity, and they are uniquely qualified to present materials on how we build a better society.

Election season can be a tiring and trying time to engage with politics; however, Pope Francis reminded us of its importance on September 16, 2013: "We need to participate for the common good. Sometimes we hear: a good Catholic is not interested in politics. This is not true: good Catholics immerse themselves in politics by offering the best of themselves so that the leader can govern."

Daniel P. Horan, OFM, stated, “Political engagement is a necessary part of a life of faith, something Catholic Social Teaching has made clear for decades by all popes. The central doctrine is never a single issue, but always the protection and promotion of the common good--it’s about the whole picture!” After watching the videos, we invite you to go deeper by reviewing the resources provided by FAN.

Morality in Government

Here in the United States, we have the ability and the responsibility to choose who speaks for us. We are blessed with an incredibly diverse people and we must rise above what divides us and come together for the good of all citizens. We need moral leaders who are truly servants and will lead with virtue, compassion, integrity, and honesty.

Compassion at the Border

Right now, the people of the United States are failing a basic moral test. Separating children from their parents at the border is cruelty, plain and simple. We believe we are all made in the image of God, so how is it that we feel comfortable treating people as if they aren’t people? How can we not be outraged? We have it in us to be so much better than we are now.

Care for Creation

The world is not ours, it belongs to God. We are tasked only to tend and care for this earth that God has created. Yet, we are failing the Creator in that task. We must recognize that we are in . Climate change and environmental corruption are our responsibility to address. We must have compassion for the wounded earth. We must remember our responsibility to care for Creation when we vote.

Invitation Only