Bishop Ricken's Message October 2004

Bishop Ricken's Message
October 2004

CHEYENNE – As we draw nearer elections, it in the United States of America to contribute country was founded upon and to by exercising
The U.S. Catholic Bishops in “ In this election year, we world. Where is the place at the before they those who lack health care; for future? How can the poor and vulnerable are set? For Catholics, a special where we find votes to defend life, advance justice, a place at the
“ We need a new kind of politics focused on moral principles, not vulnerable, on the pursuit of demands of special interests. Some party and too few candidates share time for retreat or discouragement. political life.”
As a Catholic Church, we are to share the gift of our a unique look at issues our immersion and rootedness of the Church. This is a gives to society which is so
Along with the other Bishops, I examine critically the positions of It is not my purpose, to endorse or oppose candidates. I issues and the candidates on the political integrity, important issues.

I have spoken very clearly topics throughout Catholic Register. I hope you will consider your
The Bishops highlight that, protecting human life begins with euthanasia, which are pre-eminent cloning, assisted suicide, and the to promote peace.”
We strive as Catholics to promote values, social justice and promoting development
Of course, peace is the primary and pray for a peaceful the Middle East, in Africa and in
Please exercise your right to Do so with an informed conscience and the teaching of the
The Second Vatican Council in the spirit because we have here is to come, we are entitled to is to forget that by our faith we responsibilities according to be proud of the opportunity such a way as to integrate and technical enterprises direction all things are to the time of the national is important for each citizen
to use the wonderful opportunity to the principles our
contribute to the common good our right to vote.
their document, The Challenge of Faithful Citizenship, say the following:
ask who has a place at the table of life in our nation and around the
table for children destroyed are born; for the hungry and
families who need decent work, wages, education, and hope for the
have a real place at the table where policies and priorities
table – an altar – is the direction to use our voices and
pursue peace, and find table for all God’s children.”
– on polls; on the needs of the not the contributions of the powerful; and the common good, not the
Catholics may feel politically homeless, sensing that no political
a consistent concern for human life and dignity. However, this is no
We need more, not less engagement in
called social teaching with the world. We bring which face the modern world through in Scripture and in the teachings great service that the Catholic Church often in need of some guiding principles which our country and our world need so desperately.
encourage all citizens of Wyoming to look beyond party politics and to
various people who are running for office, both local and national.
nor my role hope that you will examine the
range of issues, and on their philosophy and other
about several my columns in the Wyoming
refer to these as you also choices for the election.
“ our opposition to abortion and
threats to human life and dignity, and extends to our opposition to
death penalty, and our efforts
family and global solidarity, by debt reduction among peoples, etc.
concern on many of our minds. We hope solution to our problems in Iraq, in other parts of the world.
vote. after having studied the issues Church as applied to them.
exhorted all Christians “to fulfill their duties faithfully of the Gospel. It is a mistake to think that, no lasting city, but seek the city which shirk our earthly responsibilities; this are bound all the more to fulfill these the vocation of each. May Christians to carry out their earthly activity in human, domestic, professional, scientific with religious values, under whose supreme ordered to the glory of God.”