Archbishop urges voters to consider seven important issues for election

Archbishop Gregory Aymond sent letters to Catholics of the Archdiocese of New Orleans at mass this week asking them to consider seven issues in the local, state and national elections this fall.

He pointed out that the church does not endorse or denounce any candidates but wants parishioners to reflect on the church’s teachings in casting their ballots.

The issues are:

--Life and dignity of the human person

--A call to family and community

--Human rights

--An option for the poor

--The dignity of work and workers

--Solidarity with others to end division

--A care for God’s creation

"By reviewing the Catholic Church’s teachings, we ask that you carefully reflect on them and decide which candidate’s platform best reflects these teachings of Christ and the Church," the archbishop wrote.

"We all know the political arena has become more tension-filled and sometimes lacks civility. We as Catholic Christians must be an example of respect and must make sure that our consciences are well formed in order to go into the voting booth. Your parish has materials from the U. S. Bishops Conference on ‘forming consciences for faithful citizenship’."

The Archdiocese of New Orleans has declared Friday, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, as a day of prayer and fasting as parishioners prepare for the elections.