Politics is how peace and justice are built into the world. Pursuing our conscientious political judgment requires a stable political system that is open to participation by all and in which the needs of the most vulnerable are given priority. This resource centers the Critical Concerns and our call to justice and peace in preparation for voting.
We invite you to consider the following questions in your evaluation of candidates this election season. Each section includes links to Mercy articles, blog posts and resources that are relevant to each topic area. This invitation to deeper discernment and an eye toward a more merciful and just world in no way constitutes the promotion or endorsement of specific candidates or political parties.
We work to improve our personal practice of nonviolence and peacemaking, to collaborate with organizations that foster peace, and to change violent systems and structures.
consider
- What has the candidate done to promote peaceful solutions to conflict versus escalating the violence of war? Mercy speaks and Mercy remembers.
- How has the candidate supported gun control measures? Mercy calls and Mercy acts.
- How has the candidate addressed issues of policing accountability and alternatives? Mercy mourns.
We act in solidarity with migrants, immigrants, refugees and victims of human trafficking, seeking with them a more just and inclusive world.
consider
- Does the candidate support the right to asylum and paths to citizenship? Mercy teaches and Mercy witnesses.
- Does the candidate use dehumanizing language when speaking about immigrants? Mercy walks and Mercy talks.
- How does the candidate recognize and celebrate the contributions of migrants past and present? Mercy prays and Mercy shows the way.
We work to become an anti-racist community—committed to eliminating personal and institutional racism and dismantling oppressive structures, policies and processes.
consider
- What does the candidate say about disparities in health care, education, housing and economic progress for people of color in US society? Mercy mourns and Mercy overcomes.
- What reforms to the justice system is the candidate suggesting to address the mass incarceration that disproportionately harms Black and brown or persons of color communities in the US? Mercy lifts up and Mercy decries.
- What does the candidate say about ensuring that all citizens can freely exercise their right to vote? Mercy participates and Mercy remembers.
We work to sustain all life by caring for Earth’s ecosystems, addressing climate change, advocating for the right to clean water and committing to ecological conversion.
consider
- What does the candidate say about climate change and policies to address it? Mercy awakens and Mercy cries out.
- How does the candidate approach the issue of extractive industries? Mercy speaks out and Mercy studies.
- What has the candidate done to support the just transition to clean energy? Mercy reflects.
We advocate for the intrinsic value of women’s lives and promote equality for women in Church and society.
consider
- What kind of resources will the candidate recommend for women who suffer oppression in their families, workplaces or elsewhere in society? Mercy advocates and Mercy calls out.
- How does the candidate propose to make the country safer for women? Mercy supports.
Economic Justice
All of our Critical Concerns are rooted in the Mercy commitment of service to those made poor, the sick, and the uneducated.
consider
- Will the candidate see that all workers can earn a living wage and have the right to organize? Mercy walks.
- Will the candidate ensure that the wealthy pay their fair share of taxes? Mercy engages and Mercy recalls.
- How does the candidate plan to address the ever widening wealth gap? Mercy considers and Mercy teaches.
Everything is interconnected, and that genuine care for our own lives and our relationships with nature is inseparable from fraternity, justice and faithfulness to others.
#70, Laudato Si