There can never be separation
between our faith, civic choices

This letter was read at parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Denver the weekend of November 2-3, 2002.

Dear friends in Christ,

At the end of every Mass, the celebrant or deacon reminds us to "go in peace, to love and serve the Lord." The worship we give to God in every Sunday Liturgy should continue throughout the week. It should shape the way we act in our families, in our workplaces and in our public life as citizens. There can never be a "wall of separation" between our religious faith and our civic choices. In the Scriptures today, God tells us that, "A great King am I, the Lord of hosts, and my name will be feared among the nations" (Mal 1:14b).

If we really believe in the God we worship, then we must always be Catholic Christians first; we must always follow Jesus Christ and His Church first -- and only because of that, do we have anything valuable to offer to the political and economic life of our nation.

We get the elected officials we deserve. We'll be judged by the choices we make. In every election year, every Catholic who can vote has the serious obligation to do so. And in this election year especially, where some candidates clearly disregard the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death, we need to build the culture of life by our actions. Before we vote, we need to remember our faith, and we need to act accordingly.

God bless you for your dedication to your faith. And may God bless Colorado and our nation on November 5.

Your brothers in the Lord,

Most Reverend Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.

Most Reverend José H. Gomez, S.T.D. Archbishop of Denver Auxiliary Bishop of Denver