Voters urged to understand what their faith teaches on issues

Published: 2008-02-20

FAIRFIELD, Conn. (CNS) -- A Methodist minister urged an audience at Jesuit-run Fairfield University to be informed about their own faith in this election year, as well as "the faiths of others and the ethical and civic imperatives for the democratic experiment we cherish." "We sometimes focus on hot button issues and neglect teaching less publicized ones," said the Rev. Brian Schofield-Bodt, president and CEO of the Greater Bridgeport Council of Churches. He made the comments to people from the world of politics, religion, academia and community nonprofit organizations who came together Feb. 7 to talk about how issues, values and the media affect elections. The gathering was held the morning after the Super Tuesday primaries. Other speakers included Jesuit Father Richard Ryscavage, director of the university's Center for Faith and Public Life, and James Smith, editor of the Connecticut Post daily newspaper. Father Ryscavage said the role of the Catholic Church "is to teach, following Christ's dictate to teach," while the Catholic laity's role "is to get involved in politics."

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