We are in the midst of one of the most contentious elections in memory, as the screaming ads and commentators attest. Through seemingly every media outlet, we are inundated with information that is colored by personal attacks or by dooms-day portrayals of one ideology over another. Many news stories based upon opinion are instead presented as fact. Frankly it is a bit embarrassing as an American and certainly not the expectation of any of us who value our democratic system of open yet respectful debate. It is reflective of the level of civility in our culture that has been deteriorating for some time. The Church has not been immune to such incivility as my mail and personal encounters at times attest. We will not fall to that sinful level if we keep in mind Catholic moral and social teachings in their fullness.

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