NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

    WASHINGTON, DC (CWNews.com) - The US bishops' conference will release a pamphlet early next year to every Catholic in America listing their civic and moral responsibilities as Catholics.

    The booklet, "Faithful Citizenship: Civic Responsibility for a New Millennium," will outline the Church's teachings on a number of issues, including abortion, debt relief for poor nations, the death penalty, assisted suicide, and "moral priorities for public life," but the bishops stressed that it will not a listing of candidates' positions or voting records and is not an attempt to tell Catholics how to vote. They have issued such guides during every presidential election year since the mid-1970s.

    Countering expected arguments that the bishops have breached the separation of church and state, the document claims that the Church "as an institution also has a role in the political order." They added, "The Church's participation in public affairs does not undermine but enriches the political process and affirms genuine pluralism."

    The bishops said in a statement, "We urge our fellow citizens to see beyond party politics, to analyze campaign rhetoric critically, and to choose their political leaders according to principle, not simply party affiliation or mere self-interest."

    Other principles in the pamphlet include respect for human rights and fair economic policies. "The economy must serve people, not the other way around," they said, adding a call for basic rights for workers such as "productive work," decent and fair wages, and the right to join unions.

Articles provided through Catholic World News and Church News at Noticias Eclesiales and International Dossiers, Daily Dispatches and Features at ZENIT International News Agency. CWN, NE and ZENIT are not affiliated with the Daily CATHOLIC but provide this service via e-mail to the Daily CATHOLIC Monday through Friday.