“On November the 8th, we have the power to show our children that America’s greatness comes from recognizing the innate dignity and worth of all our people. …On November 8th we can show our children that here in America we reject hatred and fear. And in difficult times, we don’t discard our highest ideals. No, we rise up to meet them.” FLOTUS, Michelle Obama.
In this truly ugly election season, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops has been shamefully silent. They have offered little more than the usual exhortations about voting for candidates that are “pro-life.” They have not raised their voices to condemn Donald Trump’s assaults on women, immigrants, African Americans, the US constitution, and basic standards of good behavior and decency. They have done nothing to tell Catholic voters that everything Trump stands for, and exhibits in his personal behavior runs directly counter to the Gospels. They let stand the defense of Trump by so called Catholic voices like Newt Gingrich and Rudy Giuliani.Fortunately other strong voices of faith have spoken out forcefully for a moral agenda. Reproduced here, with permission, is the latest call from the faith coalition that has called for a “Higher Ground Moral Declaration.”
Dear Friends,
As we speak, voting is beginning across the country. It’s time to shock the heart of this nation.
That’s why today, we are kicking off the national Moral Declaration Worship Weekend. This weekend and the weekend of November 4-6, we are calling on clergy to preach and teach on the critical moral issues of our time.
Over 3,000 faith leaders have now signed our Higher Ground Moral Declaration, proclaiming a broad consensus that, while we may be both conservative and liberal, while we are Democrat, Republican, and Independent, we can agree that we must work together to advance public policies that uplift our deepest moral values.
An economy that lifts up the poor is a moral issue. Public education that serves all people is a moral issue. Access to healthcare is a moral issue. Criminal justice reform is a moral issue. Voting rights are a moral issue. Equal protection under the law, immigrant justice, environmental protection, LGBTQ rights, and defense spending are all moral issues.
If you have the means, we need you to drive shut-ins to the polls. We want you to march as congregations to the polls. Register voters in your community and do what you can to fight for the heart of our democracy.
If you need any support with local coalition building, GOTV, or framing your teachings, please contact our organizers at info@repairersofthebreach.org.
Just weeks ago, state-based coalitions across the country came together in a historic national Moral Day of Action to demand these issues be front and center in the public square.
Rev. Dr. William Barber II, Rev. Dr. James Forbes, Rev. Dr. Traci Blackmon, Sr. Simone Campbell started this petition on Groundswell. If there’s an issue close to your heart that you’d like to campaign on, you can start your campaign here.
Dawn! You have been a voice in the wilderness, but with the ever expanding media, you won’t be for long. You are the Martin Luther and Martin Luther King of 2016 and beyond!
Dawn Morais 
Nice piece!
*John Webster, PhD*
*University Professor* *Director, Hogan Program*
*Chaminade University*
Finally, today a word from the Catholic Bishops. Now will they take to the mainstream press with the same message??
http://reverbpress.com/religion/bishops-encourage-catholics-reject-trump-everything-stands/
Dawn! You have been a voice in the wilderness, but with the ever expanding media, you won’t be for long. You are the Martin Luther and Martin Luther King of 2016 and beyond!