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Sept. 29 panel to discuss election issues in light of Church teaching
By Nissa LaPoint
Make no mistake—Catholics will be faced with moral decisions in the November 2012 election.
From decisions on finances and the economy to religious freedom, abortion, contraception and immigration, each vote will shape public policy and impact society, said Msgr. Bernard Schmitz, vicar of clergy for the Denver Archdiocese.
“In a democracy, it is critical that we take our vote seriously,” he told the Denver Catholic Register. “So to decide to vote is a moral decision and then what to vote for or against is another moral decision.”
Msgr. Schmitz and other local Catholic leaders will lead a panel discussion on such ballot issues 10:30 a.m. Sept. 29 at Mother of God Parish, 475 Logan St. in Denver. The panelists are Msgr. Schmitz; Chancellor J.D. Flynn, and executive director of the Colorado Catholic Conference Jenny Kraska. Jeanette DeMelo, editor-in-chief of the National Catholic Register, will moderate.
Each panelist will discuss different issues and provide the Catholic perspective on the election including the role of faith in the public square, the dignity of the human person, and local ballot measures. The audience will be invited to ask questions and further engage in discussion with panelists.
Kraska said the hope is that Catholics will become better informed voters as a result of the panel discussion.
“As in any election season, Catholics must be engaged and know who and what they are voting for,” she said. “Catholics must properly form their consciences in light of Church teaching and utilize the many resources available to them, such as the ‘Faithful Citizenship’ document put out by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.”
Some voter material will be available for those who attend. The event is free.
Nissa LaPoint: 303-715-3138; nissa.lapoint@archden.org; www.twitter.com/DCRegister
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