Washington D.C., Nov 6, 2007 / 10:24 am
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is preparing to vote on guidelines for Catholic political participation, the Associated Press reports.
The bishops will decide this month upon the content of the guide, titled "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship." Though the guide will emphasize pro-life concerns and bioethical issues, it will also explain Catholic teaching on torture and conduct in war.
Spokane Bishop William Skylstad, president of the conference, spoke highly of the document. "Given the complexities of our political situation, this is a very good teaching document for the bishops and we're really very committed to it," he said.
Though past guides were finalized in committee meetings, this year the full body of around 300 bishops will publicly debate and vote on the guide.