For years, I believed that being a faithful Catholic meant abortion had to determine my vote. If a candidate claimed to be pro-life, every other political issue seemed secondary.

Eventually, I realized that isn't actually what the Catholic Church asks of voters.In this episode, I share my story of unlearning single-issue voting, the conversation with my mom that changed how I approached the ballot box, and what the U.S. Catholic bishops actually say in Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship.

I talk about abortion as a preeminent issue, President Trump, the dignity of already-born human beings, poverty, immigration, racism, war, healthcare, the environment, and why Catholic social teaching makes voting much more complicated than simply choosing the candidate with the “pro-life” label.

00:00 Why Politics Matter

01:24 Cradle Catholic Roots

03:28 Abortion Unit Impact

06:33 2016 Trump and Single Issue

08:10 Questioning Pro Life Claims

10:50 Mom Challenges Voting

13:51 Bishops on Many Issues

18:28 Not Single Issue Voters

21:51 Catholic Social Principles

23:33 Encouragement and Prayer

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