Being Catholic in the Public Square begins with faith formation. Learn more about the social doctrine of the Catholic Church and forming our consciences to effectively put our faith into action through political engagement.

Participation in our political processes is part of our Gospel call. Politics is about designing the structures through which citizens are able to access basic needs and exercise our rights. As Catholics following Jesus' commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves, we vote and engage in advocacy to ensure all of our neighbors are able to live fully human lives.

In this video, Bishop Schuster shares the Catholic Church’s call to “welcome the stranger.” Learn about the Church’s stance on caring for immigrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers, and the urgent need for comprehensive immigration reform that offers a fair path to citizenship, family reunification, and just policies at the borders.

The Catholic Church teaches that all political authority exists to attain the common good, which can only be achieved with the contribution of every citizen.

Washington’s Catholic bishops encourage the faithful to put Catholic Social Teaching into action through year-round engagement in public policy. By identifying and contacting legislators, forming consciences in faith, and staying informed through the WSCC Advocacy Network, Catholics can advocate for policies that protect human life, uphold human dignity, and advance the common good.

The WSCC provides guidance to help parishes and Catholic organizations participate faithfully and responsibly in public life while maintaining a clear, nonpartisan approach. These resources outline permitted and prohibited activities during election campaigns and help Catholic communities understand their legal responsibilities while engaging in civic life.

The WSCC encourages Catholics to engage in legislative and policy advocacy throughout the year, guided by Catholic Social Teaching and the bishops’ priorities. This page brings together practical tools, legislative resources, testimony guidance, issue papers, and formation materials to help individuals, parishes, and diocesan communities participate thoughtfully and effectively in public life. (usccb.org)

The USCCB’s Civilize It campaign invites Catholics to bring civility, clarity, and compassion to political and policy conversations, while Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship and the Washington bishops’ Love One Another pastoral statement offer guidance for engaging public life with well-formed consciences, respect for human dignity, and a commitment to the common good.