Archbishop Charles Chaput teaches...

"Christians in general and Catholics in particular do not, and should not, seek to "force" their religious beliefs on society. But working to form the public conscience is not coercion any more than teaching the difference between poison and a steak is a form of bullying. Actively witnessing to and advancing what we believe to be true about key moral issues in public life is not "coercion." It's honesty. And it's also a duty -- not only of faith but of citizenship." - Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.

The Most Reverend Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., has been the archbishop of Denver, Colorado since February 18, 1997. As member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Tribe, Archbishop Chaput is the second Native American to be ordained bishop in the United States, and the first Native American archbishop.

Here are a couple of recommended articles by the above archbishop, which I strongly encourage you to read in this election season, as they touch upon the role of the faithful Catholic in political life.

"Why We're Here" is actually chapter three of Render Unto Caesar: Serving the Nation by Living our Catholic Beliefs in Political Life, recently published by Doubleday.

"Little Murders" is a talk he gave at an ENDOW (Educating on the Nature and Dignity of Women) dinner on Oct. 17.