Responsible citizenship:
Be informed, participate

By Susanna Herro
DIRECTOR OF JUSTICE AND PASTORAL OUTREACH, DIOCESE OF MADISON

	This article is part of a series of articles exploring various aspects of marriage. The series is intended to provide information for Catholic citizens as they vote November 7 on a state Marriage Referendum. The referendum would amend the state constitution to provide that only a marriage between one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized in Wisconsin.

Now that the primary elections are over, the political scene will get even more coverage, more time on television, and more talk at the water cooler.

As Catholics, we are called to responsible citizenship. To be well-informed, to take part, to be active participants in this dialogue is actually a moral obligation. That sounds strong and it is. If we are to spread the Good News throughout the world, we certainly have to speak it in the political arena.

Know church stands

But to speak as a well-informed Catholic, it is important to know where the church stands and why that position is taken.

You will be asked to vote on two important referenda issues on November 7, Protection of Marriage and on the Death Penalty. An easy way to remember what the Church is teaching is "Yes" for Marriage, "No" to Death.

Marriage is key

Marriage is key to so much of our Catholic life. As Catholics, we have taken a very strong protective stance concerning marriage. We have marriage preparation classes, we emphasize strengthening marriage through various programs, we have a very serious procedure in place for annulment.

All this reflects the importance of marriage to the development of the man and woman who enter into it and for the children who are a natural result of marriage. So we say "YES" to marriage.

Death penalty

The death penalty has not been a key factor in Wisconsin for over 100 years. We are called as Catholics to use bloodless means of punishment as far as possible, because it gives a person a chance for redemption and respects the dignity of the human person. We say "NO" to death.

More information

You will be hearing much more about both these referenda in the weeks to come. Packets of information have been sent to all parishes.

Articles will continue to appear in this paper. Relevant Radio (www.relevantradio.com for local stations) will be carrying messages from the bishops of Wisconsin. Bulletin announcements and other means will be used to inform you.

The Knights of Columbus will be holding informational sessions throughout the diocese. So there are many ways you can ask questions and get answers on these issues.

Speak out

Your duty goes beyond being informed of the Catholic position. You are called to spread the Good News of the Catholic faith, to speak out with courage and with love to educate others.

If you would like to assist in the effort, please call or e-mail the Office of Justice and Pastoral Outreach, 608-821-3086 or justiceandpeace@straphael.org

Susanna Herro is director of the Office of Justice and Pastoral Outreach in the Diocese of Madison.