October 25, 2024 (Louisville, KY) The Archdiocese of Louisville has been made aware that campaign materials containing the likeness of Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre were used in a recent mailing by “Marita Willis for Louisville Metro Council District 20.” While it is common for the archbishop to be captured in photographs with families and various people after religious or social gatherings, as a rule, Archbishop Shelton and the Archdiocese of Louisville oppose and object to the use of the archbishop’s likeness for political and commercial purposes.
In a recent message to the Catholics throughout the archdiocese in The Record, Archbishop Shelton shared, “As the one who serves you as Archbishop of Louisville, I will not tell you for whom to vote or support because you must vote your conscience.”
Considering that it is not the responsibility of Catholic bishops, priests, or deacons to tell the laity for whom to vote – or to endorse candidates – all people are hereby notified that “Archbishop Shelton has not, and will not, endorse any candidate for public office.” Therefore, use of the archbishop’s likeness for political purposes was not authorized by the archbishop or the Archdiocese of Louisville.
It is up to the voters of Louisville Metro Council District 20 to make their choice through the ballot box by electing the best candidate. Further, Archbishop Shelton reminds all voters to fully form their consciences when deciding how to vote for candidates and issues as we work towards building a culture of life.
For information, contact Kanobia Russell-Blackmon at 502-585-3291.
