a_ Not liberal. S. The Right to Life and Dignity of the Human Person Call to FamilY, Community, and Participation Rights and Responsibilities Not conservative. Option for the Poor and Vulnerable Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers Solidarity Caring for God's Creation Gatholic citizenshiP & your vote We have a dual heritage as both faithful Cath- olics and American citizens. As Catholics, our baptismal commitment to bear public witness to the values ofJesus Christ requires our active Par- ticipation in the democratic life of our nation. As Americans, we have a serious moral obligation to vote. This brief insert is intended as a starting point to help us respond to our choices in the current political landscaPe. Innocent human life is destrqrcd by abortion, euthanasia, "fertility treatrnents" sudt as in-vitro fert'rlization, orperimintation using stem cells from human embryos, and clo-ning to manufacturc humantody parts. Catholic teaching about the sanctity of human life also leads us to oppose the death penalty, genocide, torture, unjrlst wars, and economic policies that ignore the needs of the poor and vulnerable' The family,which emerges from marriage between a man and awoman, is the original and basic unit of societf Social and economic policies should work to strengthen the family rather than weaken it. Everyhuman being has the right to life and to religious fo:do_*.Everyone has a right to ,"f*e to particrp# in actionJcontrary to one's religious beliefs andto share and defend orr",, .r""d andloral principles in thi public forum. Everyone has the right and duty to participate firlly in all aspects of life: political, social, cultural, and economic. We must have special concern and c-harity toward the unbom, persons with disabilities, the dying, refirgees, long-term unemployed, prisoners, and dl who are marginalized in o* ,r"aio'r, a"d-b"yond. Today, the situation of immigrant workers is especially urgent' Economic justice includes the opportunity for dignified work at wages sufficient to support a family,wodqlace s"fety, and th9 right to take time for religious obserr"ances' Wtit r"r also have the duty to provide a fair day's workfor a fair dayt pay. Loving our neighbor has global dimensions and requircs us to eradicate racism and addrcss th" gx,i"rn" poLrtf ""d &sease plaguing so much of the world. We are called to welcome the stranger among *, i"a"ai"g i**igr.rrts seekingwork, a safe home, education for their dril- dr"nit d " d"J"t t fife for their families.We are called to promote peace and pursue j*ti*' As stewards, not orners, of the earth, people have an obligation to cherish and care for the environment The earth yields forth many resources needed for human fourishing, op""i"Uy *ogy and the .rpoity to produce food.These precious resources must be used p*a""tty, f"irfi safely, and with a constant concern for future generations. Sponsored by South Carolina Catholic Conference :k 901 Orange Grove Road * Charleston, SC 29407 * www'sccatholicconference'org