Anchorage – In the weeks leading up to the 2026 election, many Alaska Catholics are looking to the Alaska Catholic Conference for the same clear, faith‑based public‑policy guidance that their fellow believers receive from Catholic conferences in Kansas, South Dakota, Texas, Florida and Hawaii.
What the “good” looks like elsewhere
Across the country, Catholic conferences are translating Church teaching into concrete legislative action. The Kansas Catholic Conference, for example, lists protecting unborn life, marriage, family and religious liberty as its core priorities and regularly testifies before state legislators. In South Dakota, the conference played a visible role in the 2024 campaign against Amendment G, a proposed constitutional right to abortion, providing parish resources and urging Catholics to vote in line with Church teaching.
Texas takes the model a step further. The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops describes itself as the public‑policy voice of the Texas bishops, advocating for laws that protect human life from conception to natural death, uphold traditional marriage, support parental rights and oppose gender ideology in schools. Its legislative record includes opposition to bills that would weaken abortion protections or redefine marriage.
Florida’s conference similarly issued a strong public statement urging voters to reject a 2024 constitutional amendment on abortion, distributing parish guides that linked the issue directly to the dignity of the unborn.
Alaska’s current situation
Alaska’s Catholic leadership has not yet matched that level of public engagement. Critics point to a lack of easily accessible statements on how the Church’s moral teachings apply to current ballot measures and legislation. While Bishop Chad Zielinski’s 2020 letter reminded Catholics of their moral responsibilities when voting—particularly regarding abortion—there is no comprehensive, regularly updated policy platform comparable to those in the other states.
Some observers note potential conflicts of interest, such as Mary Gore’s familial ties to U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who supports abortion rights and LGBTQ‑related policies. Although there is no evidence that Gore’s relationship influences the Alaska Catholic Conference, the connection underscores the need for transparent, independent moral guidance.
Why clarity matters for Alaska families
For families who rely on Church teaching to navigate complex moral questions at the ballot box, consistent and public policy statements are essential. The Catholic Church’s teachings on the sanctity of unborn life, the definition of marriage, the importance of family and parental rights do not change at state borders. When conferences in other states can articulate these principles while remaining non‑partisan, Alaska Catholics have a reasonable expectation for the same.
Providing clear resources—such as parish guides, public testimonies and legislative scorecards—helps believers make informed decisions without being forced to align with a particular political party. It also reinforces the Church’s role as a moral compass rather than a partisan actor.
Looking ahead
As the election cycle intensifies, many Alaska Catholics are urging the Alaska Catholic Conference to adopt a more proactive stance. They seek a publicly posted set of policy priorities that begin with protecting unborn life, uphold traditional marriage, support family formation, defend parental rights and safeguard religious liberty.
Such a move would align Alaska’s Catholic public‑policy efforts with those of its counterparts in Kansas, Texas, Florida and Hawaii, offering faithful voters the moral certitude they need to vote according to their conscience.
For those interested in deeper theological insight, Father Robert Spitzer’s book The Moral Wisdom of the Catholic Church – A Defense of Her Controversial Moral Teachings is recommended.
Original reporting: Must Read Alaska (Anchorage) — read the source article.
