I mentioned in a previous column that too many Catholics are disengaged from participation in the political life of our society. Some are disengaged because of pure neglect, others because of cynicism about “politics.” Regardless of the reason, disengaged Catholics fail to understand and live our mission as disciples of Christ.
Our Catholic faith teaches that “responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation. This obligation is rooted in our baptismal commitment to follow Jesus Christ and to bear Christian witness in all we do.
“As the Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us, ‘It is necessary that all participate, each according to his position and role, in promoting the common good. This obligation is inherent in the dignity of the human person. . . . As far as possible citizens should take an active part in public life (nos. 1913-1915).’” [Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship #13]
The clergy and laity have different but complementary roles in public life. Our faith teaches that the role of the clergy is to sanctify the laity and the role of the laity is to sanctify the temporal order (i.e. the world).
In Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship the bishops teach that the clergy’s role is “to teach fundamental moral principles that help Catholics form their consciences correctly, to provide guidance on the moral dimensions of public decisions, and to encourage the faithful to carry out their responsibilities in political life.”
In his first encyclical, Deus Caritas Est, Pope Benedict taught that “The direct duty to work for a just ordering of society is proper to the lay faithful.”
“This duty,” the U.S. bishops state, “is more critical than ever in today’s political environment, where Catholics may feel politically disenfranchised, sensing that no party and too few candidates fully share the Church’s comprehensive commitment to the life and dignity of every human being from conception to natural death.
“Yet this is not a time for retreat or discouragement; rather, it is a time for renewed engagement. Forming their consciences in accord with Catholic teaching, Catholic lay women and men can become actively involved: running for office; working within political parties; communicating their concerns and positions to elected officials; and joining diocesan social mission or advocacy networks, state Catholic conference initiatives, community organizations, and other efforts to apply authentic moral teaching in the public square.” [Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship #16]
The “Introductory Note” to Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship mentions that we are called to a “dual heritage as both faithful Catholics and American citizens. We are members of a community of faith with a long tradition of teaching and action on human life, and dignity, marriage and family, justice and peace, care for creation, and the common good.
“As Americans, we are also blessed with religious liberty which safeguards our right to bring our principles and moral convictions into the public arena. These Constitutional freedoms need to be both exercised and protected, as some seek to mute the voices or limit the freedoms of religious believers and religious institutions.”
Whether as individual Catholics or as an organization representing the Catholic Church (e.g. the Nebraska Catholic Conference), we have a Constitutional right and a Christian duty to participate in the public life of our society. And we should be bold and unapologetic in our participation in the public square because, as Catholics, we bring “important assets to the political dialogue about our nation’s future. We bring a consistent moral framework—drawn from basic human reason that is illuminated by Scripture and the teaching of the Church—for assessing issues, political platforms, and campaigns.
“We also bring broad experience in serving those in need—educating the young, caring for the sick, sheltering the homeless, helping women who face difficult pregnancies, feeding the hungry, welcoming immigrants and refugees, reaching out in global solidarity, and pursuing peace.” [Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship #12]
