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“The law is not the only means of protecting life, but it plays a key and often decisive role in affecting both human behavior and thinking. Those called to civil leadership, as Pope John Paul II reminds us, “have a duty to make courageous choices in support of life, especially through legislative measures.” This is a responsibility that cannot be put aside, “especially when he or she has a legislative or decision-making mandate, which calls that person to answer to God, to his or her own conscience and to the whole of society for choices which may be contrary to the common good” (The Gospel of Life, no. 90).”

—U.S. Catholic Bishops, Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities

Important Reminders

  • It is of utmost importance to emphasize that when discussing political affairs and elected representatives, only materials provided by the Diocese, the FCCB, or the USCCB should be disseminated within the parish.
  • Prior to distributing any information, ensure that it has received approval from the Diocesan COL office, as it possesses the most current information from the Diocese regarding what is acceptable.
  • For pastoral reasons, the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops has long held a policy against collecting petitions to amend the Florida Constitution in its parishes. This policy remains in effect. For additional election materials and guidelines, click here.
  • Although materials from other pro-life organizations are permissible for personal use and gathering information, it is solely through the USCCB and the FCCB that we acquire information suitable for distribution within the parish.
  • Not all organizations are 501(c)3 organizations, and even if they are, they may not necessarily be in alignment with the fullness of the teachings of the Catholic Church, which are rooted in scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Canon Law, and the Catholic Church’s status as a tax-exempt organization.
  • The Catholic bishops of the United States issued the document, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, a teaching on the political responsibility of Catholics.

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