Colorado Catholic Bishops Congratulate Newly Elected Officials, Call for Common Good
As Election Night results unfold, the bishops urge state leaders to protect human dignity, defend religious liberty and serve the most vulnerable.
Editor’s Note: This is a developing story and will be updated as more information, including vote counts, is released.
Election Night results came pouring in mere moments after polls closed in Colorado on Tuesday evening. With some closely-watched races called early by the Associated Press (AP), the state’s Catholic bishops congratulated newly elected officials, offered their prayers and called them to govern with wisdom, defend human dignity and serve the common good.
“We, the Catholic bishops of Colorado, extend our sincere congratulations to all newly elected and re-elected officials chosen to serve our state,” the four Catholic bishops serving in Colorado said in a statement released by the Colorado Catholic Conference, the united voice of the Catholic bishops of Colorado. “As you assume the responsibilities of governance, we pray that you are granted the wisdom and fortitude necessary for public service.”
As those officials prepare to take office in the coming months, the bishops reminded them of their call to protect the dignity of every person, defend religious liberty and pursue policies that serve the common good, especially for the most vulnerable.
“We call upon our elected leaders to implement policies that defend and uplift the most vulnerable members of our human family,” the bishops continued. “We also urge you to firmly protect the religious liberty of all individuals and faith-based organizations, safeguarding their right to serve the community according to their convictions. May your governance be guided by a steadfast commitment to justice, peace and the flourishing of our entire state.”
Following the announcement of Phil Weiser's projected election as Colorado's next governor, the Colorado Catholic Conference issued a separate statement congratulating him.
“The Colorado Catholic Conference congratulates Governor-elect Phil Weiser on his election to serve as the next Governor of the State of Colorado,” the Colorado Catholic Conference said in a statement.
Noting their previous working relationship with Governor-elect Weiser in his capacity as outgoing Attorney General, the conference expressed hope for future collaboration to ensure the dignity of every Coloradan.
“We appreciated working with Governor-elect Weiser as Attorney General on a variety of issues and look forward to establishing a constructive, collaborative relationship with the new administration to promote the common good,” the conference continued. “We are eager to engage in fruitful conversations to build a state where every human life is valued, families can thrive and the dignity of all Coloradans is respected. We assure Governor-elect Weiser, his family and his administration of our prayers as he prepares to transition into this vital leadership role.”
Beyond these early calls in closely watched races, there are several state offices and ballot propositions that continue to be monitored by the Colorado Catholic Conference. Among them are Proposition 133 “Children are Not for Sale Act”, Proposition 134 “Protect Girls’ Sports Act”, and Proposition 135 “Protect Kids from Irreversible Sex-Rejecting Surgeries Act”, supported by the Colorado Catholic Conference.
This article will be updated with further developments on these and other important Election Night races as more information becomes available.
