Trainor suggested the bishops avoid political matters because they, like many faith-based groups that offer social services, receive funds from the federal government. He described the arrangement as "almost a payoff" by the government.

Not until the Democratic Party feels the pain of losing the Catholic vote will they reconsider their commitment to attacks on religious freedom, the defense of the natural family, support for Catholic schools and other Catholic priorities.

Join the editor in chief of America magazine for a conversation in the comments section on Friday, Sept. 18, 1 to 2 p.m. ET, about the magazine’s coverage of this historic election.

Even small shifts in the Catholic vote, which covers a lot of ground both geographically and ideologically, could make the difference in the presidential election, writes Robert David Sullivan.

As a Catholic who embraces the church’s teaching on the innate value of every human life, the importance of public order and the need for mercy to temper justice, I am very comfortable supporting the reelection of our president.

John Carr explains how, applying the principles of “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship,” he decided to vote for Biden and against Trump in the 2020 election.