Family, community, participation
“The human person is not only sacred but also social. Full human development takes place in relationship with others. The family-based on marriage between a man and a woman—is the first and fundamental unit of society and is a sanctuary for the creation and nurturing of children.”
— Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States, 2007, n. 46.
The permanent and loving relationship between one man and one woman through the bond of marriage stands as mankind’s most significant and vital institution. Thus, policies that strengthen and promote traditional marriage and the family must be encouraged. The Conference supports
- upholding the traditional definition of marriage
- policies that protect the stability of the marriage bond and the institution of the family
- policies on taxes, work, divorce, immigration, and welfare that help families stay together
- government assistance through tax credits or other constitutional public means to help provide resources to parents so they can exercise their fundamental right to choose the education best suited to the needs of their children, including public, private, and religious schools