DePaul University, the country’s largest Catholic university, will host a panel discussion on “Catholics and the 2008 Presidential Election,” Oct. 14 from 7 to 9 p.m. at DePaul’s Cortelyou Commons, 2324 N. Fremont St., Chicago.

An opening discussion will center on “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States,” a written reflection on Catholic teaching and political life developed in 2007 by the U.S. Bishops. Robert Gilligan, executive director of the Catholic Conference of Illinois, will summarize “Forming Consciences,” while Rev. James Halstead, O.S.A., chair of DePaul’s religious studies department, will offer his thoughts on the intersection of Catholic teaching and political policy. Molly Andolina, associate professor of political science at DePaul, will summarize academic research findings on Catholic voting patterns.

           
A second panel will explore national issues, the presidential candidates’ positions and those of the Catholic Church. The panel includes Patrick Callahan, professor of political science; Elizabeth Collier, visiting assistant professor of religious studies; Nicholas Lund-Molfese, director of the Archdiocese of Chicago Office of Justice and Peace; and Wayne Steger, chair of the political science department.

           
The event is free and open to the public. For information contact Patrick Callahan at 773-325-7338 or pcallaha@depaul.edu.