WASHINGTON – “For citizens in a representative democracy such as our own, participation in public life – including voting – is both a right and a responsibility,” said Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in a message leading up to Election Day in the United States on Nov. 3. 
 
Archbishop Coakley’s full message follows:
 Archbishop Coakley
“In a time of deep political division, the temptation is to be discouraged and to not participate in the election process. But discouragement is not a Christian virtue. For citizens in a representative democracy such as our own, participation in public life – including voting – is both a right and a responsibility.
 
“In honoring this civic duty, it is important to ensure that citizens not face unnecessary delays or complications in registering or exercising their right to vote. Together, we can contribute to the common good of our nation as faithful citizens by supporting free and fair elections. 

 “I would ask all Catholics to put their faith before politics. The Church’s contribution to the public life of a nation is not a political or partisan program; rather, it reflects our commitment to the dignity of every person, who is created in the image and likeness of God. 

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Iowa Has Always Invested in Students. Now It Includes Every Student.

(Originally published in the Des Moines Register Oct. 15, 2026)

By the Superintendents of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Dubuque and the Dioceses of Davenport, Des Moines, and Sioux City

Educating every Iowa child benefits all of Iowa. Public or private, all schools in Iowa share this mission to promote the common good.Funding isn’t for schools. It’s for students. By investing in every student, Iowa invests in its future and a network of public and private schools that serve a common good.

This is nothing new. Iowa Tuition Grants, Pell Grants, and the GI Bill cover tuition at private, faith-based universities. SNAP is used at grocery stores. Medicaid follows patients to the hospital they choose, including nonprofit, Catholic systems.

Iowans have long agreed on the principle behind these programs. When a public investment serves a common good, we fund the person and trust families to choose. Education Savings Accounts bring that principle to K-12 education. Investing in all students benefits all of Iowa.
With the Students First Act, the state supports every student attending accredited public and non-public schools. For Iowans who believe more state dollars should be invested in students, ESAs have provided an answer.

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