Today (September 20) marks the first day of early voting in Minnesota.

The Catholic bishops of Minnesota encourage all Catholics to vote in the 2024 election, guided by prayer, with a focus on human dignity. Recognizing that every person is made in the image and likeness of God and, therefore, has inherent dignity, the bishops emphasize that many issues debated by elected officials significantly impact this principle. On April 2, 2024, the Church released a Declaration on Human Dignity, titled Dignitatis Infinita. This document provides insights into how contemporary issues such as abortion, war, poverty, assisted suicide, and gender relate to human dignity.

The Minnesota Catholic Conference urges Catholics to utilize this declaration alongside the USCCB's Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship to educate themselves and guide their voting decisions for local, state, and federal offices in the upcoming November election. While no candidate may fully align with all Catholic values, we are called to participate actively in shaping our communities through thoughtful and prayerful civic engagement.

As we approach Election Day, the Minnesota Catholic bishops share a letter encouraging all Catholics to engage in the upcoming 2024 election. Their letter highlights the principles of Catholic Social Teaching as a foundation for faithful citizenship, urging voters to consider candidates' stances on protecting life, religious liberty, economic justice, and the common good at all levels of government. The bishops remind us that, while no candidate may fully align with all Catholic values, we are called to participate actively in shaping our communities through thoughtful and prayerful civic engagement.

Read the full letter on the Minnesota Conference of Catholic Bishops website and learn more, www.mncatholic.org/election2024.