Cardinal Maida's Pre-Election Address

The following was read on the Christ & Culture Forum Original Air Date: 11/10/06

REMARKS AFTER MASS
BY ADAM CARDINAL MAIDA
BLESSED SACRAMENT CATHEDRAL
NOVEMBER 5, 2006

This Tuesday is Election Day and in our Catholic tradition, responsible citizenship
is a virtue; therefore, our participation in the political process is a moral duty. I strongly
urge you to exercise your right as a citizen. So, please make sure you vote!
As you do so, in conjunction with the other bishops of the state, I ask that you keep
the following matters in mind:

• First and foremost, as believers we should vote for candidates who are respectful
of the common good, especially the dignity of life, from the first moment of
conception until natural death.

• Secondly, this year in Michigan, Proposal 2 seeks to end the practice of affirmative
action. As bishops, we see the continuation of affirmative action, especially for
women and persons from minority groups, as a positive policy in our contemporary
culture. We recommend a “no” vote on Proposal 2.

• Proposal 5 concerns funding for public education, which is a noble cause. Through
a careful reading of the proposal, however, it becomes clear that the proposal has
many dangerous flaws: it would jeopardize the availability of funds for other
necessary programs for adoption, foster care, and health care for the poor.

If you seek further information on these or other state-wide proposals, please
consult the Archdiocesan website.
Let us pray for the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit as we make necessary
choices which will impact our own lives and those of generations to come.