Legislative Advocacy Committee
The Spirituality Commission includes the Legislative Advocacy Committee. The mission of the Legislative Advocacy Committee is to encourage legislative advocacy within the affiliations of the Orlando Diocese Council of Catholic Women by providing resources to the members that will help guide a formation of conscience rooted in Catholic Social Teaching. This Committee encourages all women to promote Catholic values in the public square in accordance with the guidance provided by the Office of Advocacy and Justice of the Diocese of Orlando, the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Our objectives are to facilitate an understanding of and participation in the legislative process; to empower women with the tools to analyze current and proposed laws; and to promote action with mercy that will effect greater social and economic justice in our society at local, state and national levels. All Council members are strongly encouraged to participate annually in Catholic Days at the Capitol, an initiative of the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops. Suggested resources to empower and educate members are readily available at:
http://www.orlandodiocese.org/ministries-offices/advocacy-and-justice
http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/index.cfm
With elections coming up soon, we are hearing a lot about forming consciences for faithful citizenship.
The focus of documents from the Florida Bishops and USCCB are concerned with WHAT to stand for rather than WHOM to vote for. Elections are not popularity contests. Our vote should reflect what we as Catholics stand for. Our vote should not be based on a party, a personality, a person, a race or a gender.
Some things Catholics should know:
* Intrinsic evil is always incompatible with love of God and neighbor; always opposed to the authentic good of persons; never a situation where the action is justified; we can never support intrinsically evil actions.
* Abortion is # 1 on the list of intrinsic evils, euthanasia is #2. They are considered preeminent priorities. Preeminent: "surpassing all others; very distinguished in some way."
"Those who knowingly, willingly, and directly support public policies or legislation that undermine fundamental moral principles cooperate with evil" (FPFC, 31)
Before you cast your vote, find out where the candidates stand on issues that should be important to you as a Catholic. Know where they stand on all issues, including what our children could be exposed to in public schools. Learn more at the references below:
Resource from USCCB:
This document was used to provide information in this post Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship
Resource from Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops
Resource from Florida Family Policy (bottom line positions on issues with references)