2020 Presidential Election Resources

November 3, 2020 is Election Day. As it has done for other elected offices previously, the Virginia Catholic Conference is pleased to share its side-by-side comparison of the positions of the two candidates in this year's Presidential Election.

•  Presidential Candidate Comparison (en español) which was created by a number of state Catholic conferences, including the Virginia Catholic Conference.

Arlington Bishop Michael F. Burbidge and Richmond Bishop Barry Knestout Release pre-election letter
A Different Kind of Political Engagement

As they discern how to cast their ballots in the statewide races, voters are encouraged to consult the Four Principles of Catholic Social Teaching. Spanish translation is available on the second side of the document.

In addition, the Conference's guidelines for political activities for parishes and other Catholic entities can be found  here.

Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship

NOTE: The Dioceses of Richmond and Arlington authorize parishes to use only materials provided by the Diocese, the Virginia Catholic Conference and the USCCB. Non-diocesan voter-education resources are not authorized for parish use.

Please pray before you vote on November 3.

Prayer Before An Election

Lord God, as the election approaches,
we seek to better understand the issues and concerns that confront our city/state/country,
and how the Gospel compels us to respond as faithful citizens in our community.
We ask for eyes that are free from blindness
so that we might see each other as brothers and sisters,
one and equal in dignity,
especially those who are victims of abuse and violence, deceit and poverty.
We ask for ears that will hear the cries of children unborn and those abandoned,
Men and women oppressed because of race or creed, religion or gender.
We ask for minds and hearts that are open to hearing the voice of leaders who will bring us closer to your Kingdom.
We pray for discernment
so that we may choose leaders who hear your Word,
live your love,
and keep in the ways of your truth
as they follow in the steps of Jesus and his Apostles
and guide us to your Kingdom of justice and peace.
We ask this in the name of your Son Jesus Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Prayer After an Election

God of all nations, 
Father of the human family, 
we give you thanks for the freedom we exercise 
and the many blessings of democracy we enjoy
in these United States of America. 
We ask for your protection and guidance
for all who devote themselves to the common good,
working for justice and peace at home and around the world.
We lift up all our duly elected leaders and public servants, 
those who will serve us as president, as legislators and judges,
those in the military and law enforcement.
Heal us from our differences and unite us, O Lord,
with a common purpose, dedication, and commitment to achieve liberty and justice
in the years ahead for all people,
and especially those who are most vulnerable in our midst.
Amen.

Scriptural Rosary for Justice and Peace

Prayer is an underutilized resource in the work of justice. Join with CCHD and Catholics across the country in praying this online version of the Scriptural Rosary for Justice and Peace. We pray the Luminous Mysteries to help us follow more closely the example set by Jesus in His ministry to the poor and the vulnerable.

Visit the USCCB website for this prayer.

Virginia Catholic Conference Advocacy Network

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In prayer and in public, your voices are urgently needed to bring Gospel values to bear on vital decisions being made by those who represent you.  

Copyright © 2020 Virginia Catholic Conference. Reproduced with expressed permission.

The Virginia Catholic Conference is the public policy agency representing Virginia's Catholic bishops and their two dioceses.