Contact: Dennis Biviano, PR & Media Specialist, (330) 744-8451, ext. 320; dbiviano@youngstowndiocese.org
YOUNGSTOWN, OH – The Diocese of Youngstown has issued the following statement in regards to Tony Hinchcliffe’s appearance at Madison Square Garden Sunday:
“The Diocese of Youngstown and Ursuline High School do not espouse the views of Mr. Tony Hinchcliffe and do not promote him or his ventures. There is no room in the Church of Christ, nor the world, for hatred of ones’ brothers and sisters, or for any malice to be held in one’s heart against them. Lastly, the Diocese of Youngstown and Ursuline High School reject his use of comedy as a means to attack the human dignity of others, especially the poor and vulnerable among us.”
BACKGROUND
The Catholic Church does not support either the Republican presidential party ticket nor the Democratic presidential party ticket. The Catholic Church does not engage in partisan politics, but rather advocates for and against issues and specific legislation.
The Catholic bishops of the United States are pleased to offer once again to the Catholic faithful Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship (en Español), our teaching document on the political responsibility of Catholics.
This statement represents our guidance for Catholics in the exercise of their rights and duties as participants in our democracy. We urge our pastors, lay and religious faithful, and all people of good will to use this statement to help form their consciences; to teach those entrusted to their care; to contribute to civil and respectful public dialogue; and to shape political choices in the coming election in light of Catholic teaching. The statement lifts up our dual heritage as both faithful Catholics and American citizens with rights and duties as participants in the civil order.
As we find ourselves in an election year, it is now more important than ever to promote civil and compassionate dialogue among our parishioners and for all people of good will. A fantastic resource to promote this goal is Civilize It: A Better Kind of Politics, an initiative from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops:
‘Civilize It: A Better Kind Of Politics’ is [the USCCB’s] response to Pope Francis’ invitation [to seek ‘a better kind of politics, one truly at the service of the common good’]. Join us to model this ‘better kind of politics.’ Take the pledge [online] to commit to seeking the truth, building bridges, and finding solutions together that promote the common good. Individuals, families, and communities can participate.
