The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) releases a document before each presidential election to help Catholics prepare to vote. The document (Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship) lists 47 issues that Catholics should consider when they vote.
This website lists all 47 issues and the current political beliefs of the presidential candidates.
(Click Here for the Definition of each issue)
Legend:
Disclaimer:
This website lists all 47 issues and the current political beliefs of the presidential candidates.
(Click Here for the Definition of each issue)
Legend:
- Aligns: The view of this candidate aligns with Church teaching
- Does Not Align: The view of this candidate does not align with Church teaching
- Inconclusive: There is evidence for both answers, or there is not enough evidence
- Changed: The view of this candidate has changed
Disclaimer:
- The "Links" include references to policies, direct quotes from the candidates, or actions by their administration. We do not support the political biases of these websites.
- This guide is not endorsed by or affiliated with the USCCB.
- This guide is only a starting point for your discernment. The claims of "Aligns," "Does not Align," and "Inconclusive" are opinions based on primary sources.
The Issues:
The Dignity of the Human Person
Promoting Peace
The Issues |
Harris |
Trump |
Avoid War and Promote Peace |
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Reject the use of Torture |
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Against the Preventative Use of Military Force |
Does not Align Link 1 |
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Work to Reverse the Spread of Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Weapons |
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Against the Direct and Intentional Targeting of Noncombatants in War or Terrorist Attacks |
Aligns Link 1 |
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Promotes the Reallocation of Resources from Armed Conflict to the Urgent Needs of the Poor |
Aligns Link 1 |
Marriage & Family Life
The Issues |
Harris |
Trump |
Supporting a definition of marriage that is defined, recognized, and protected as a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman |
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Valuing, Protecting, and Nurturing Children |
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Just Wages |
Religious Freedom
Preferential Option for the Poor & Economic Justice
The Issues |
Harris |
Trump |
Jobs for all who can work (Federal Jobs Guarantee) |
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Removing Barriers to Equal Pay & Unemployment for Women |
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Right of Workers to Choose whether to Organize, Join a Union, and Bargain Collectively |
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Welfare Policy and the Reduction of Poverty |
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Improving the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credits |
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Recognition and Support to Faith Based Groups |
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Social Security |
Aligns Link 1 |
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Renewed Commitment to Affordable Housing |
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Agriculture Policy and Food Security for all to Dispel Hunger |
Aligns Link 1 |
Health Care
Migration
The Issues |
Harris |
Trump |
Broad and Fair Legalization Program with a Path to Citizenship |
Aligns Link 1 |
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Family Reunification Policies |
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Access to legal Protections, which include Due Process Procedures |
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Refuge for those fleeing persecution and violence (Asylum) |
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Policies to address the root causes of migration |
Catholic Education
Promoting Justice & Countering Violence
The Issues |
Harris |
Trump |
Reforming the Broken Criminal Justice System (Remedial rather than punitive) |
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Supporting Reasonable Restrictions on Access to Assault Weapons and Handguns |
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Opposing the use of the Death Penalty |
Combat Unjust Discrimination
The Issues |
Harris |
Trump |
Combat any Unjust Discrimination Based on Religion |
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Combat Sexism |
Aligns Link 1 |
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Combat any Unjust Discrimination Based on Disabling Condition |
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Combat any Unjust Discrimination Based on Age (Ageism) |
Aligns Link 1 |
Aligns Link 1 |
Combat Racism |
Aligns Link 1 |
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Combat any Unjust Discrimination Based on Ethnicity |
Aligns Link 1 |
Care for Our Common Home
Communications, Media, and Culture
Global Solidarity
The Issues |
Harris |
Trump |
Alleviation of Global Poverty through increased development aid |
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Equitable Trade Policies |
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Political and Financial support to the United Nations Programs and Reforms |
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Actively pursue comprehensive negotiations between Israel and Palestine that ensures security for Israel and a viable state for Palestinians. |
A Message from Pope Francis (Sept 2024):
"You must vote, and you must choose the lesser evil. Who is the lesser evil? That lady or that gentleman? I don't know. Everyone in conscience has to think about it and do this. Both are against life, whether it is the one who is chasing away migrants or the one that kills children. Both are against life."
"You must vote, and you must choose the lesser evil. Who is the lesser evil? That lady or that gentleman? I don't know. Everyone in conscience has to think about it and do this. Both are against life, whether it is the one who is chasing away migrants or the one that kills children. Both are against life."