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  Statement by Most Rev. Robert McElroy concerning the distribution of political material at Catholic Parishes
  
  Catholic teaching points to the importance of several major issues in this presidential election year: abortion, poverty and economic justice, the environment, euthanasia, immigration, religious liberty, and solidarity within society.  This final issue of solidarity has a particular importance at this moment because the very democratic impulse which is the foundation for our national unity is being eroded by partisan venom and personal attack. 
  
  In this environment, it is vital that all institutions in our nation participate in discussions about the election with civility and balance.  It is particularly vital that religious communities do so.