My name is Father Carlos Velázquez, rector at San Fernando Cathedral, San Antonio.
The Catholic Church has long espoused that when we as a society better enable the participation of people in shared civic and social endeavors, we affirm their participation as an expression of their God-given dignity.
The United States bishops have consistently encouraged Catholic citizens to engage in the political process, including through voting and vote rights. They have on many occasions reiterated that the right to vote for citizens and the right to civic participation are expressions of human dignity, an essential means for fulfilling the duty to participate in decisions that affect them.
In forming consciences for faithful citizenship, the United States Bishop's document on the political responsibilities of Catholics, affirms that where the effects of past discrimination persist, society has the obligation to take positive steps to overcome the legacy of injustice, including vigorous action to remove barriers to education, protect voting rights, support good policy on our in our communities, and ensure equal employment for women and minorities.
Pope Leo the 14th has stated that democracy remains healthy only when rooted in moral truth and a true vision of the human person.
The church continues to advocate for laws and policies that foster broad participation and reflect a true vision of the human person, and this teaching is not abstract, it is rooted in the gospel and lived out in history, particularly through the long and painful struggle to ensure that all voices are heard and respected.
Catholics are called to confront injustices, to uphold dignity, and to promote the common good, Forms of voter suppression deny the full humanity of persons, breaking down the solidarity among persons and communities and subservient individuals' rights and responsibilities to contribute to and benefit from the common good.
It is understandable if one may sometimes feel inundated, hesitant, discouraged, or simply fed up with the political process, but the truth, my brothers and sisters, is that we cannot simply sidestep civic affairs. Voting is not only a privilege, it is a sacred responsibility that we shoulder.
Our nation and its people have faced daunting challenges in recent years, and it's imperative that we make our voices heard on Election Day. We encourage policymakers to put into place modern and effective protections for all voters, so that they may exercise their right and moral obligation to participate in political life.
Editor's Note: The above remarks were made by Father Carlos Velázquez, rector at San Fernando Cathedral, San Antonio, at a press conference held in San Antonio to announce a national day of action to "Protect Our Vote." He was joined by clergy and leaders in the faith community from across Texas as part of the Faith in US movement.
