Print Issue: October 24, 2002

Dear Friends in Christ,

These words, from Psalm 26, speak of a truth fundamental to the health and peace of all Catholics - being in harmony with the Lord Jesus Christ in all facets of our life, private and public.

Approaching the November elections, we are faced with a very special test of this harmony, for although the Church is the home of our souls, and our true guide in all matters of faithfulness to Christ, we also invest much of our energy, our hope, and our desires for the good future of our children in the government of this cherished nation, the United States of America. Although ultimately realized by the contribution of millions, the investment begins at home - it begins when we walk or drive to the local polling place, and cast our votes. The engine of all the res, the matters of public American life and law, begins to turn at the polling place.

As we prepare to vote on Nov. 5, it is the responsibility of every Catholic to examine his or her conscience - first, to know whether or not harmony with the teaching of Jesus Christ is present in the mind. Next, it is our responsibility to examine the records of candidates and determine whether or not their positions are acceptable under the definitive canopy of the Church's teaching, which comes from the Gospel, and from the Holy Spirit. The three verses of Psalm 26, which follow those quoted above, advise us on the honesty we should bring to such deliberations, both within ourselves, and in our discussions with family and friends:

I do not sit with deceivers, nor with hypocrites do I
mingle. I hate the company of evildoers; with the
wicked I do not sit.

Matters which are of particular concern to Catholics, and to all men and women of good faith, are these: abortion, euthanasia, stem cell research, marriage, human sexuality, war and the death penalty. This is not an exhaustive list, but it does name issues that are vital to our life as Christians - issues where we demand respect for life, and for the natural law. On those issues, we must be certain that candidates do not oppose Catholic teaching, before we may conscientiously decide to give them our vote.

I encourage all Catholics in the Archdiocese of Atlanta, to refresh your knowledge of the Church's teaching, to examine the records of candidates from whom you must choose, and then, as responsible citizens, but first as responsible Catholics, to cast your vote - or if necessary, to withhold it.

If we all follow these requirements in preparing for the November elections, then we will reap the considerable benefits for ourselves and for our country, and leave the polling places, justified, at peace, and ready to rejoice, as the same Psalm declares:

I will wash my hands in innocence and walk round
your altar, LORD, lifting my voice in thanks, recount
ing all your wondrous deeds.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend John F. Donoghue
Archbishop of Atlanta