October
22, 2001
NJ Bishops on Catholic Voter Responsibility
Dear Members of the Catholic Community:
As another election approaches, we, the Catholic Bishops of New
Jersey, reach out to encourage you to vote and to exercise that
right in accordance with consciences formed in the light of your
faith and the teachings of the Catholic Church. As bishops, we are
most aware of our primary responsibility as teachers of faith and
morals to help people follow God’s laws and do His will. We
have always made it clear that we never intend to instruct people
on how they should vote by endorsing or opposing candidates and
we do not do so today.
In 1998, as members of the United States Conference of Catholic
Bishops, we adopted a statement, Living the Gospel of Life: A Challenge
to American Catholics. In that document, we noted our obligation
to remind all Americans, including political leaders, and especially
those who are Catholics. We said: “No public official, especially
one claiming to be a faithful and serious Catholic, can responsibly
advocate for or actively support direct attacks on innocent human
life.” Thus, we consistently call upon all candidates to exercise
genuine moral leadership by supporting laws that promote respect
for the human person at all stages of life from conception to natural
death.
We also call upon Catholic voters to use their voting privilege
to reflect a choice of candidates who respect and sustain the dignity
of all human life. Such choices make clear to all candidates that
life issues are a determining factor in our voting decisions.
We pray that Catholics will exercise their vote for Governor and
members of the Legislature in the context of Catholic moral teaching.
Exercising the right to vote is not only a moral obligation, but
also should be a manifestation of our faith. As Catholics we must
commit ourselves to carry the values of the Gospel and Church teaching
into the public square. As citizens we have every right to conscientiously
participate in the selection of the leaders who will guide our state
in the days ahead.
Faithfully yours in Christ,
Most Reverend John J. Myers
Archbishop of Newark
Most
Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio
Bishop of Camden |
Most
Reverend David Arias
Auxiliary Bishop of Newark
|
Most
Reverend Frank J. Rodimer
Bishop of Paterson |
Most
Reverend Paul G. Bootkoski
Auxiliary Bishop of Newark
|
Most
Reverend John M. Smith
Bishop of Trenton
Apostolic Administrator of Metuchen |
Most
Reverend Dominic A. Marconi
Auxiliary Bishop of Newark
|
Most
Reverend Andrew Pataki
Bishop of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic |
Most
Reverend Charles J. McDonnell
Auxiliary Bishop of Newark
|
Most
Reverend Joseph Younan
Bishop of Our Lady of Deliverance Diocese |
Most
Reverend Arthur J. Serratelli
Auxiliary Bishop of Newark
|
 |
2000
News Releases |
