Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship - Major Catholic Statements on Public Life and Moral Issues

The following documents from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) explore in greater detail the public policy issues discussed in Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship. The documents are listed chronologically, except for under the first heading, where they are grouped generally by topic and then by year. 

For more information on these and other documents, visit the USCCB website: www.usccb.org. Documents marked with an asterisk are not available online.


Protecting Human Life

  • Life-Giving Love in an Age of Technology, 2009 
  • Married Love and the Gift of Life, 2006 
  • On Embryonic Stem Cell Research, 2008 
  • Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities: A Campaign in Support of Life, 2001
  • Living the Gospel of Life: A Challenge to American Catholics, 1998
  • Faithful for Life: A Moral Reflection, 1995 
  • A Matter of the Heart: A Statement on the Thirtieth Anniversary of Roe v. Wade, 2002
  • Resolution on Abortion, 1989 
  • Documentation on the Right to Life and Abortion, 1974, 1976, 1981*
  • A Call for Bipartisan Cooperation on Responsible Transition in Iraq, 2007 
  • Statement on Iraq, 2002
  • A Pastoral Message: Living with Faith and Hope After September 11, 2001 
  • Sowing the Weapons of War, 1995 
  • The Harvest of Justice Is Sown in Peace, 1993 
  • A Report on the Challenge of Peace and Policy Developments, 1983-1888, 1989* 
  • The Challenge of Peace: God's Promise and Our Response, 1983
  • To Live Each Day with Dignity: A Statement on Physician-Assisted Suicide, 2011 
  • Nutrition and Hydration: Moral and Pastoral Reflections, 1992 Statement on Euthanasia, 1991 
  • Welcome and Justice for Persons with Disabilities, 1999 
  • Pastoral Statement of United States Catholic Bishops on Persons with Disabilities, 1984 Confronting a Culture of Violence, 1995
  • A Culture of Life and the Penalty of Death, 2005 
  • Statement on Capital Punishment, 1980 
  • Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services (Sixth Edition), 2018


Promoting Family Life 

  • Called to the Joy of Love: National Pastoral Framework for Marriage and Family Life Ministry, 2021
  • Create in Me a Clean Heart: A Pastoral Response to Pornography, 2015
  • Marriage: Love and Life in the Divine Plan, 2009 
  • National Directory for Catechesis, 2005 
  • Renewing Our Commitment to Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools in the Third Millennium, 2005 
  • Sharing Catholic Social Teaching: Challenges and Directions, 1998 
  • Principles for Educational Reform in the United States, 1995 
  • To Teach as Jesus Did: A Pastoral Message on Catholic Education, 1972* 
  • When I Call for Help: A Pastoral Response to Domestic Violence Against Women, 2002 
  • A Family Perspective in Church and Society, 1998 
  • Blessings of Age, 1999
  • Between Man and Woman: Questions and Answers About Marriage and Same-Sex Unions, 2003 
  • Walk in the Light: A Pastoral Response to Child Sexual Abuse, 1995 
  • Follow the Way of Love: A Pastoral Message to Families, 1993
  • Putting Children and Families First: A Challenge for Our Church, Nation and World, 1992*


Pursuing Social Justice 

  • Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love—A Pastoral Letter Against Racism, 2018
  • Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services (Sixth Edition), 2018
  • For I Was Hungry and You Gave Me Food: Catholic Reflections on Food, Farmers and Farmworkers, 2003 
  • Strangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope, 2003 
  • A Place at the Table: A Catholic Recommitment to Overcome Poverty and to Respect the Dignity of All God's Children, 2002 
  • Global Climate Change: A Plea for Dialogue, Prudence, and the Common Good, 2001 
  • Responsibility, Rehabilitation, and Restoration: A Catholic Perspective on Crime and Criminal Justice, 2000
  • A Commitment to All Generations: Social Security and the Common Good, 1999
  • In All Things Charity: A Pastoral Challenge for the New Millennium, 1999 
  • One Family Under God, 1995* Confronting a Culture of Violence: A Catholic Framework for Action, 1995 
  • Moral Principles and Policy Priorities for Welfare Reform, 1995*
  • The Harvest of Justice Is Sown in Peace, 1993 A Framework for Comprehensive Health Care Reform, 1993*
  • Renewing the Earth: An Invitation to Reflection and Action on the Environment in Light of Catholic Social Teaching, 1992 
  • Putting Children and Families First: A Challenge for Our Church, Nation and World, 1992* 
  • New Slavery, New Freedom: A Pastoral Message on Substance Abuse, 1990* 
  • Brothers and Sisters to Us: Pastoral Letter on Racism in Our Day, 1989 
  • Called to Compassion and Responsibility: A Response to the HIV/AIDS Crisis, 1989 
  • Homelessness and Housing: A Human Tragedy, A Moral Challenge, 1988*


Practicing Global Solidarity 

  • A Call for Bipartisan Cooperation on Responsible Transition in Iraq, 2007 
  • A Call to Solidarity with Africa, 2001 
  • A Jubilee Call for Debt Forgiveness, 1999 
  • Called to Global Solidarity: International Challenges for US Parishes, 1998 
  • Sowing the Weapons of War, 1995 
  • One Family Under God, 1995* 
  • The Harvest of Justice Is Sown in Peace, 1993 The New Moment in Eastern and Central Europe, 1990* 
  • Toward Peace in the Middle East, 1989 Statement on Central America, 1987


Major Policy-Related Speeches of Pope Francis During His Apostolic Visit to the United States, September 22-27, 2015 

  • Pope Francis. Address of the Holy Father, Welcoming Ceremony, South Lawn of the White House, Washington, DC, September 23, 2015. https://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2015/september/documents/papa-francesco_20150923_usa-benvenuto.html 
  • Pope Francis, Address of the Holy Father, Visit to the Joint Session of the United States Congress, United States Capitol, Washington, DC, September 24, 2015. https://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2015/september/documents/papa-francesco_20150924_usa-us-congress.html 
  • Pope Francis. Address of the Holy Father, Meeting with the Members of the General Assembly of the United Nations Organization, United Nations Headquarters, New York City. September 25, 2015. https://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2015/september/documents/papa-francesco_20150925_onu-visita.html 
  • Pope Francis. Address of the Holy Father, Meeting for Religious Liberty with the Hispanic Community and Other Immigrants, Independence Mall, Philadelphia. September 26, 2015. https://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2015/september/documents/papa-francesco_20150926_usa-liberta-religiosa.html