From www.faithfulamerica.org:

As an interfaith organization we look for issues relevant to people of all faiths. But sometimes a group has a powerful campaign that we think all our members would want to know about. In the past we've supported a push by moderate evangelicals to remind America that “God is not a Republican, or a Democrat”. Now, with November 2nd approaching fast, a group of Catholics led by Martin Sheen and Sister Joan Chittister OSB of Pax Christi USA, is refuting the claim that Catholics are single issue voters and reclaiming the proud Catholic tradition of social justice teaching. We hope our Catholic members will support their statement of values and that people of all faiths will donate to help publish the statement in newspapers nationwide and forward this message to every Catholic they know.

Here’s the call to action from Martin Sheen and Sister Joan Chittister:

“To characterize the whole content of the Catholic faith in a single issue is inappropriate and unjust. We know from our faith history that multiple social issues make up the depth and breadth of Catholic Social Teaching. Pope Pius XI wrote that being a good Catholic involved working against financial monopolies that restrict enterprise. Pope John XXIII condemned sexism, the arms race and systemic poverty. Pope John Paul II has called repeatedly for the transformation of economic structures that oppress the poor.

Yet, despite our rich history, rarely a day goes by without our politicians, the media, and even some of our own religious leaders holding up one lone issue as the litmus test for Catholics.

Are you frustrated with individuals telling you that one issue should decide your vote? If you are, join us in sending a strong message to America that our faith and our commitment to the common good are not exhausted by any one issue. Click below to add your name to “Life Does Not End at Birth”, a statement that reminds politicians, church leaders and the media that we are called to vote for candidates based on the full range of issues that impact the common good:

www.faithfulamerica.org/LifeNotEndAtBirth.htm

Help mobilize a million Catholic voices for justice by supporting the publication of this statement across the country:

www.faithfulamerica.org/LifeNotEndAtBirth.htm

The statement will appear in secular and Catholic publications nationwide, reaching the millions of Catholics still struggling with their conscience and with the teachings of the church as they decide how to vote in the 2004 election.

In peace,

Martin Sheen and Sr. Joan Chittister, OSB