Participation | Dignity | Elections
A Virtual Catholic Theological Conference
Catholic teaching does not baptize any particular model of democracy. For decades, however, Catholic teaching has embraced democratic governance as the best way of institutionalizing the core values at the heart of Catholic teaching: human dignity, religious freedom, shared public life, and the participation of all in the civic sphere.
This Catholic embrace of democratic governance leads the Church to encourage citizens to participate fully in electoral processes, speak out for fair and transparent elections, and call people to respect electoral outcomes.
This webinar brings responsible voices of Catholic ecclesial leaders and scholars to bear on the upcoming US elections. By understanding the current moment within a worldwide context and offering practical tools for promoting fair elections, the webinar will empower Catholic leaders—homilists, liturgical ministers, teachers, as well as bishops, priests, religious, and deacons—to speak faithfully and prayerfully into the polarization surrounding the upcoming elections.
Day 1, Broadcast September 16, 2026
Opening reflection and prayer by
Archbishop John C. Wester, Archbishop of Santa Fe/Albuquerque
Dr. Richard L. Wood, President, Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies, USC
The Church in a Global Context of Fragile Democracies: Brazil, Philippines, Hungary, Guatemala & the US
Featuring:
Cardinal Bishop “Ambo” David, Former President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conf. of the Philippines
Dr. Maria J. Stephan of Horizons Project
Dr. César Kuzma, Pontifical University of Paraná, Brazil
Moderated by Dr. David Buckley, Director of Boisi Center, Boston College
The Church’s Evolving Relationship to Democracy: From Rejection to Embrace to the Imagination of New Models
Featuring:
Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger, Archdiocese of Detroit
Ms. Meghan Goodwin, Sr. Legislative & Policy Specialist, Catholic Relief Services
Moderated by Mr. Joseph McKellar, Executive Director of Catholics in Communion
Voter Support as Pastoral Practice- strategies to help youth & marginalized communities exercise their participation
Featuring:
Dr. Eli McCarthy, Georgetown University
Sr. Erin McDonald, Sister of St Joseph
Fr. Brendan Busse, SJ, Dolores Mission
Moderated by Ms. Annie Fox, Provincial Assistant for Justice & Ecology Organizing, Jesuits West
Closing ritual featuring Dr. Tony Alonso, Musician and Professor of Theology & Culture, Candler School of Theology
Day 2, Broadcast September 17, 2026
Opening remarks by
Sister Xiomara Méndez Hernández OP, BCC, Executive Director of the Dominican Sisters Conference
Truth through Noise: Media, AI and the Struggle for Practical Wisdom Grounded in the Faith
Featuring:
Ms. Montse Alvarado, Prefect-designate, Dicastery for Communications of the Vatican
Dr. Michael Murphy, Director of the Hank Center for the Catholic Intellectual Heritage, Loyola University Chicago
Moderated by Dr. David DeCosse, Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, Santa Clara University
Ministering amidst a Renewed Crisis of Electoral Participation: Repeal of voting rights, new targeting of immigrants, impact on Catholic communities.
Featuring:
Dr. Byron D. Wratee, Villanova University
Dr. Catherine Punsalan-Manlimos, Vice President for Mission Integration, Seattle University
Ms. Annie Fox, Provincial Assistant for Justice & Ecology Organizing, Jesuits West
Moderated by Mr. Christian Bentley, Director, Josephite Pastoral Center
The Challenge of Catholic Homiletics & Leadership Amid Polarization: Empowering Parish, School and Apostolic Leaders to be both Prophetic and Reconciling
Featuring:
Msgr. Arthur Holquin STL, retired Pastor of Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano
Deacon Charlie Etcheverry, Living the Call
Fr. Luke Barder OP, Pastor of St. Dominic Church in Denver
Moderated by Dr. Catherine Punsalan-Manlimos, Vice President for Mission Integration, Seattle University
