The upcoming U.S. presidential election holds significant importance for both America and the world, and the Catholic Church in the United States has a unique opportunity to foster nonpartisan dialogue. When referring to the Catholic Church, it is not limited to just Catholic bishops. All Catholic citizens, including ex-Catholics, can play a role in making a difference.
Catholics are particularly important due to their large numbers. They encompass both Democrats and Republicans, with some being swing voters. According to the Public Religion Research Institute, Catholics make up 21.4% of the U.S. population, with 12.6% being white Catholics and 8.6% being Hispanic Catholics. Additionally, the Pew Research Center states that another 13% of adult Americans are ex-Catholics. Altogether, this accounts for about a third of the country’s population.
Not only do Catholics hold numerical significance, but many of them reside in battleground states. Historically, a majority of Catholics have voted for the winning candidate in presidential elections. From 1928 to 1968, Catholics consistently voted for Democratic candidates, with a potential exception in 1956 based on different studies. However, since 1972, their voting patterns have become less predictable, with some Catholics falling into the category of swing voters who can sway election outcomes.
In recent years, Catholics have been divided in their political affiliations, with nearly equal shares supporting each party. A deeper analysis reveals that a majority of white Catholics identify as Republicans, while a majority of Hispanic Catholics lean towards the Democratic Party. This stands in contrast to white evangelical Christians who predominantly align with Republicans, and Black Protestants and Jewish voters who predominantly align with Democrats.
The partisan divide among Catholics poses both challenges and opportunities for the church. It presents a challenge for Catholic preachers who must navigate politically divided congregations without alienating anyone. Consequently, many Catholic preachers avoid discussing politics in their sermons. According to Pew, only 41% of Catholics heard at least one sermon mentioning the 2020 election, compared to 71% of evangelical Protestants and 63% of Black church and mainline Protestants.
However, this partisan divide also offers an opportunity for the Catholic Church to exemplify proper civic behavior for the rest of the country. Unlike Protestant ministers, Catholic bishops and priests traditionally refrain from endorsing political candidates or parties. While they may offer prayers at national conventions, they do not give campaign speeches. This nonpartisanship, combined with a diverse congregation of Democrats and Republicans, could make Catholic churches a unique space for civic conversations where hate speech and diatribes are not tolerated.
The Catholic bishops have also published a document called “Faithful Citizenship,” which discusses issues and encourages political involvement and dialogue. The combination of official nonpartisanship and a mix of Democrats and Republicans within congregations could create an environment conducive to civic conversation. The synodal conversation methodology could be employed to prevent partisan rancor from escalating.
In the upcoming election, it is crucial for Catholics in both the pews and the hierarchy to rely on facts and adhere to the values presented in “Faithful Citizenship.” The bishops should stand firm in affirming the legitimacy and fairness of the 2020 election results, as well as address issues such as global warming raised by Pope Francis. While there may be debates on how to respond to these issues, the moral obligation to support human rights, seek the common good, and protect the planet remains absolute.
The 2024 election holds immense significance for the future of the country and the world. As citizens, Catholics must contribute to the solution rather than being part of the problem.America Magazine