Acknowledging the " high level of political consciousness and energy " in the Archdiocese of San Francisco as a backdrop, Archbishop George H. Niederauer has issued a pastoral letter on the role of the Church in the political arena.

Titled " Religion and Politics - 2008, "the document addresses a series of issues including the role and meaning of conscience, the apparent preeminence of abortion and euthanasia in Church political involvement, and discerning how to vote in situations where candidates clearly hold positions directly opposed to Church teaching. The Archbishop states that he is releasing the commentary at this time "before candidates have been nominated and party platforms completed so that we can look at these questions for their own value, and not misinterpret them as veiled endorsements or condemnations. "

The text quotes frequently from " Faithful Citizenship, " a document revised and issued by the U.S. bishops' conference during U.S. presidential election cycles. The Archbishop urged Catholics to read the bishops ' pastoral and stressed that " it is not a voter ' s guide, nor does it endorse particular candidates or parties. "