BALTIMORE, Nov. 15 (UPI) -- U.S. Roman Catholic bishops have warned their flock that "individual salvation" is at stake in the voting booth.
"Faithful Citizenship," the document approved Wednesday by the national bishops' conference, is more detailed and nuanced than similar ones before previous presidential elections, The Chicago Tribune reported. The bishops have provided guidance for every presidential election since 1976.
This year, for example, the bishops urged Catholics to support political candidates who oppose abortion but also said they should consider positions on poverty, war and immigration.
"It is important to be clear that the political choices faced by citizens have an impact on general peace and prosperity and also the individual's salvation," the bishops said. "Similarly, the kinds of laws and policies
supported by public officials affect their spiritual well-being."
Bishop William Lori of Bridgeport, Conn., said that the document did not alter church doctrine. He described it as offering "more concrete guidance."
