Catholics to examine political, social issues

By Karen Vance - Cincinnati Enquirer
Friday, July 11, 2008 - Web Link
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July 11, 2008

In this election year, so-called "religious voters" are courted and polled and talked about.

This weekend, a group of 700 Catholic voters - 24 from Greater Cincinnati - will declare exactly how they feel about political topics at the Convention for the Common Good.

The convention is drawing from 20 Catholic social justice organizations, such as the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities, Pax Christi USA, Sisters of Mercy of the Americas and Franciscan Action Network.

They'll vote on a platform of issues, including peace, economic justice, universal health care, just and humane immigration reform, a consistent culture of life and environmental stewardship.

"I think we'll come away with a loud and clear message that will affirm a platform of the common good, that these are themes people across the country are concerned about both nationally and in Ohio," said Stephanie Beck Borden, Ohio coordinator for Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good, one of the co-sponsors of the convention.

Network, a national Catholic social justice lobby, is co-sponsoring the convention in Philadelphia today through Sunday.

Speakers include Sister Helen Prejean, author of "Dead Man Walking"; John Sweeney, president of the AFL-CIO; and Washington Post columnist E.J. Dionne Jr.