DePaulia (DePaul University, Chicago, IL), 2008-10-17, 1

              The I Illinois Catholic Conference debates, discusses upcoming election. Nicole Jones Managing Editor DePaul, the country's largest Catholic university, served as a suitable location to host a discussion that challenged Catholic students to form faithful citizenships for what might be their first time participating in an election. A panel of religious studies and political science professors joined representatives from the Illinois Catholic Conference and Archdiocese of Chicago last Tuesday for a non-partisan and scholarly evening conversation entitled "Catholics and the 2008 Presidential Elections." "Religion and politics are two things you should never talk about at a cocktail party," executive director of the Catholic Conference of Illinois, Bob Gilligan, said in the opening discussion, "but that's my job." Gilligan walked his audience through the document, "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship," (see page 4) a written reflection on Catholic teaching and political life developed in 2007 by the U.S. Bishops. This reflection emphasizes that politics should not be about ideological conflict, partisan advantage or political contributions, but rather about how to make responsible political choices for the common good. The 2007 Conference of the U.S. Bishops dis­ October 17,2008 2008 Ballot Democrat Republican 1 A Catholic \uePaulia For many, Christ trumps Constitution cussed how to lead lives in between election seasons, not just in preparation for them. However, the key issues confronted are rooted in Catholic Social Teaching and aim to protect human life, promote family life, pursue social justice and practice global solidarity. Rev. James Halstead, O.S.A., chair of DePaul's religious studies department offered his thoughts on the intersection of Catholic teaching and political policy "Do I actually believe this stuff?" he rhetorically asks of the statements released by the Bishops. "It makes no —_ Suicide attempts on the A Republican's reaction to Chicago Film Fest Doctor James Halstead, professor of religious studies said that "God comes before politics—and the United States Constitution." rise classroom conduct Preview winning streak page 3 page 12 page 16 page 28 Vol. 92 Issue #5 political or economic sense. It's only in my religious values where it makes sense." For Halstead, politics come second and God is primary, not the United States' constitution. "I have two citizenships," Halstead said, "one from my baptismal certificate and the other from this country." Molly Andolina, associate professor of political science at DePaul, summarized academic research findings on Catholic voting patterns. Catholics are 25% of the national voting bloc, amounting to a total of 48 million Americans. "So goes the Catholic vote, so goes the country," Andolina reminded the audience. However, a trend shows that those who identify themselves as Catholic are mostly voting as individuals first, not Catholics. Whether or not the Bishop's written statements on Catholic teaching and political life are being responded to by the majority of Catholics remains vague. In the second half of the evening, another panel explored national issues, the presidential candidates' positions and those of the Catholic Church. Speakers included: Patrick Callahan, professor of political science Elizabeth Collier, visiting assistant professor of religious studies Nicholas Lund-Molfese, director of the Archdiocese of Chicago Office of Justice and Peace and Wayne Steger, chair of the political science department. For more information, see page 4 1 Men's soccer is on a 1