Faith and Politics: Navigating an Election Season as a Catholic

With the 2024 Presidential election just around the corner and political tensions higher than ever, Busted Halo acknowledges that this can be a difficult time for Catholics as they decide on a presidential candidate. As Catholics, our faith helps us sort out the many complicated issues we face during an election and leads us to an informed decision about which candidate to vote for. 

We hope these resources might prove helpful for you and your loved ones during this time, and we’ll keep all of you in our prayers as you seek to inform your conscience, discern, and cast your ballot. 

Voting Catholic (Video)

Father Dave reflects on the core principles of Catholic Social Teaching that should serve to inform the consciences of Catholic voters before they head to the polls.

Practicing “Civic Discipleship” This Election Season With Fr. Bryan Massingale (Podcast)

When forming our consciences this election season, Father Bryan notes, “I think sometimes we have this understanding, even among Catholics, that politics and faith should not meet at all; that is not at all what we believe as Catholics. But as I tell people, when Catholics enter the political arena, we don’t bring partisan values to the conversation – we bring Gospel values to the conversation.”

Can a Priest Tell Me Who to Vote for? (Podcast) 

Father Dave discusses the difference between a priest informing his congregation on relevant issues and the outright endorsement of a political candidate, as well as the guidelines that priests are called to follow during the election season.

Dr. Charlie Camosy: Pro-Life Voters Are Politically Homeless (Podcast)

For those feeling anxious about voting or the outcome of this election, Dr. Camosy says, “These political decisions are not without weight and gravity. They are important, but at the end of the day, our ability to be authentically Catholic and to say, ‘I’m a Catholic first, and a political actor second. I don’t filter my faith through my politics, but rather the other way around.’ That becomes way more important, especially if we have our ultimate home [of heaven] in mind.”

How To Talk to Those Who Disagree with You—and Still Love Them (Article)

“Our nation is deeply divided. But having conversations – no matter how small – can help narrow the divide, bring healing through understanding, and make our communities and country stronger. And that’s a real win.”

Fatherly Advice: Dealing With Political Division (Podcast)

Political division is prominent in our country today, but maintaining one’s dignity as a Catholic is of the utmost importance. Father Dave shares how to navigate this tense time with patience and compassion for others, especially those with whom we disagree.

Voting as a Catholic (Podcast)

Catholic voters must carefully consider a number of issues before deciding which political candidate would be best for the country. Father Dave reflects on these issues…

Bishop John Stowe on Catholic Voting (Video and Podcast)

Bishop John Stowe joins the Busted Halo Show to discuss the “womb to tomb” approach to being pro-life and the implications it might have on voting as a Catholic.

Keeping the Faith during Election Season (Facebook Live)

Father Dave discusses how you can make important faith-based decisions about voting and relationships during the election season.

More Resources: 

Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship (USCCB) 

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops offers a number of resources on how Catholics can engage in politics responsibly “by offering the best of themselves so that the leader can govern,” in the words of Pope Francis.

Prayer Before an Election (USCCB)

This prayer published by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops asks God for the guidance and discernment to navigate the challenges of this election season while staying true to the Catholic faith.

Originally published October 15, 2020.