The Catholic Advocate Newspaper, the newspaper of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark, does not accept advertising from any candidate for political office, or from any organization seeking to support a particular candidate for office.

Our reason for this decision is simple: some candidates seeking elective or appointed office at all levels of government * local, county, state, and federal -- hold positions that are contrary to the teaching and traditions of the Catholic Church. It would be wrong for us to carry messages promoting candidates with whom the Church disagrees on issues.

Some might advance the opinion that this newspaper should accept advertising from candidates whose positions are in accord with the Catholic Church. However, federal guidelines prohibit any 501(c)3 organization such as the Archdiocese of Newark, from that path. We must either accept all advertising, or decline all.

From time to time, The Catholic Advocate does accept advertising that advocates for particular issues. This is a different form of political advertising that does not endorse any candidate or party. However, the management of The Catholic Advocate reviews all requests for insertion of such advocacy advertising on a case-by-base basis, and reserves the right to decline to accept any such advocacy advertising that it deems inappropriate or unacceptable for the publication.

January 1, 2007