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"The Church wishes to help form consciences in political life and to stimulate greater insight into the authentic requirements of justice as well as greater readiness to act accordingly, even when this might involve conflict with situations of personal interest. . . . The Church cannot and must not take upon herself the political battle to bring about the most just society possible. She cannot and must not replace the State. Yet at the same time she cannot and must not remain on the sidelines in the fight for justice."

- Benedict XVI, Deus Caritas Est no. 28

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Highlights

California Bishops Oppose Prop 14's Use of State Bonds to Pay for Embryonic Stem Cell Research

The measure asks California taxpayers to provide an additional $5.5 billion dollars for the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) so it can continue funding research using human embryos

The California Bishops Oppose Prop 20 and its Promise to Roll Back Historic Criminal Justice Reforms

The California Catholic Conference of Bishops opposes Proposition 20 on the grounds that it threatens to overturn the important criminal justice reforms advanced by Propositions 47 and 57.

Restorative Justice California Bishops' Statements Election Resources Elections

The California Bishops Oppose Prop 20 and its Promise to Roll Back Historic Criminal Justice Reforms

The California Catholic Conference of Bishops opposes Proposition 20 on the grounds that it threatens to overturn the important criminal justice reforms advanced by Propositions 47 and 57.

News Election Resources Elections

In the News: Questions Raised about Prop 14

The Orange County Register: "For one thing, times have changed and the original rationale — California doing what the feds wouldn’t — is no longer applicable. For another, private enterprise has taken a bigger interest and stepped up research in this field. For another, Prop. 14 doesn’t resolve a longstanding lack of oversight and accountability. And finally, imposing new costs on residents is hardly merited when most are struggling."

September 16, 2020

Restorative Justice News Election Resources Elections

Bishops Urge Continued Criminal Justice Reform by Opposing Prop 20

California is a leader in correctional justice reform and the Church has been a strong voice in that effort. Recent reforms have produced many policies aimed at preparing incarcerated people to return safely and productively to the community while simultaneously expanding services to help crime victims heal and recover.

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Bishops Oppose More Funding for Embryonic Stem Cell Research

The California Catholic Conference of Bishops has voted to oppose Prop 14 on the November ballot. The measure would provide an additional $5.5 billion dollars for the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) which supports research on discarded human embryos from in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments among other projects.

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California's November 2020 Ballot Propositions

California voters will be asked to vote on 12 statewide ballot measures in the 2020 General Election on November 3, 2020. As faithful citizens we are called to make informed voting decisions based on a clear understanding of our faith and a deep appreciation of life, the common good, solidarity, care for the poor and the other principles of faith and morals that are to guide our life.

August 13, 2020

Election Resources Elections Faithful Citizenship

Homily Helps: Life, Common Good, Charity, Solidarity

These Homily Aids are produced designed to assist homilists in drawing out notable themes of Catholic Social Teaching, civic engagement, the relationship between faith and politics, as well as the personal dimension of faith inherent in the lectionary readings.

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Social Encyclicals and Papal Letters Address the Issues of the Day

When the pope publishes an encyclical, it is a newsworthy event anticipated by both Catholics and many non-Catholics. Encyclicals can be controversial – both within the Church and in the outside world – but they are almost always relevant, thought-provoking and challenging. What are papal encyclicals and what do they mean for Catholics?

Election Resources Elections Faithful Citizenship Participation in Public Life

Guidelines for Pastors and Parishes on Advocacy and Political Action

The California Catholic Conference of Bishops has prepared the following instruction on political advocacy for use by Catholic clergy and parishioners.

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