As election season intensifies, Bishop Luis Zarama is urging parishioners in eastern NC to engage in the political process as an expression of their faith, while stressing that it is not the Church's role to dictate how individuals should vote.
“Participating in political discourse and civic life is part of living out our Catholic faith," he said.
Drawing from biblical principles, such as the dignity of every human person and care for the marginalized, the Church encourages bringing moral convictions into public life via well-formed consciences. Bishop Luis invites Catholics to reflect on how civic issues align with their faith, asking which candidates or policies best uphold the values of goodness, truth, and a better future for our families and neighbors.
To assist voters, the Church in the U.S. has offered two key resources: Civilize It, a guide inspired by the parable of the Good Samaritan that promotes bridge-building, truth-seeking, and collaborative solutions for the common good; and Faithful Citizenship, which outlines election dos and don'ts, registration details, voting timelines, and candidate resources.
With Catholics comprising a growing segment of North Carolina's electorate, our participation can influence state leadership and policies on issues like protecting the vulnerable, defending religious freedom, and promoting the common good.
Bishop Luis said, "We each have a sacred right and duty to follow our conscience. Scripture and Church teachings can guide us to share our beliefs civilly and productively, while respecting human dignity and the common good."