My Dear Friends;

Election season is upon us, and faithful Catholics in Kansas are preparing to fulfill their civic duty by voting.  While the Catholic Church does not endorse candidates or parties, it does have a solemn responsibility to help Catholics properly form their consciences in preparation for this important act of citizenship

To this end, the four Kansas bishops have produced a document offering pastoral guidance to the faithful as they contemplate the choices before them on Election Day.  “Moral Principles for Catholic Voters” makes clear the obligations of faithful citizenship by distinguishing between the prudential judgments over which Catholics may disagree, and those nonnegotiable judgments concerning moral evils that are binding to all Catholics.

“Moral Principles for Catholic Voters” does not instruct Catholics how to vote.  It is a guide for forming consciences, not political opinions.  It is the Church’s hope that by promoting the proper formation of Catholic consciences, the democratic process will produce a properly ordered society – one which fully respects human life and the inherent dignity of the human person.

...I ask you to join me in continued prayer for God’s blessing upon this great country.

Sincerely yours,

+ Most Reverend

Ronald M. Gilmore

Bishop of Dodge City