Bishop Zubik on Catholic Teachings, Civility, and Misleading Political Materials

Bishop David Zubik has received an increasing number of messages from messages from Catholics who want him to endorse one or the other presidential candidate.

“While I urge all the faithful of our diocese, both the laity and the clergy, to help build a better society by exercising their right to vote, it is not my role nor can it ever be for me to tell anyone for whom to vote.  As Church, we must be about addressing issues grounded on our faith and tradition,” Bishop Zubik said.
 

To assist with this, Bishop Zubik has written a letter to the faithful to share Catholic teachings. The letter, a video from the bishop, guidelines for political activity at parishes and schools in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, and other resources on voting and on civility can be found on the diocesan website ( https://diopitt.org/catholic-voter-guide).
 

In the letter, Bishop Zubik speaks within the context of his responsibilities as Pastor of the Church of Pittsburgh to teach what Jesus teaches and to teach that which is the tradition of the Church.
 

“While I risk that some people will be tempted to mistake, misstate or misrepresent my thoughts, I must take this opportunity to speak to our voting rights as more than simply pulling a lever, pressing a button, or sending a ballot in the mail. Our vote is one that must be viewed as a moral decision,” he said.
 

In addition, the diocese is warning everyone to beware of campaign-related materials that use the word “Catholic.”
 

“The only political resources approved by the diocese are located on the diocesan website. The information speaks to issues and not for or against any of the political contenders.  Not all material from other organizations delivered to your mailbox, left under the windshield wiper of your car, sent as text messages or in your email inbox claiming to be Catholic reflects the fullness of Catholic teaching.  Some of these may distort and misstate Catholic teaching or advocate for the election of one candidate over another.  I have already received many angry complaints from our priests and parishioners that such materials are being distributed. I want to remind everyone that it is diocesan policy that no political materials may be distributed on church or parish property,” Bishop Zubik said.

As the election season continues to heat up, and things seem especially confusing or overwhelming, Bishop Zubik urges love. 
 

“As we make conscientious decisions about voting, you and I must continue to love each other despite our differences. As we approach this election, if we do not act with love toward each other, then we all will have lost,” he said.