The Tablet March 6, 2004

Catholics Role in Political Life

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

In November we will be going to the polls to vote in the elections. Participation in the political life of our country is a basic obligation of all Catholics and in a special way for the laity themselves who may run for political office. The Holy See, through the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, issued a statement in 2002 called a "Doctrinal Note regarding the participation of Catholics in political life." The purpose of this statement is to recall the fundamental principles that govern Christian conscience, especially in regard to social and political involvement of Catholics in pluralistic and democratic societies. It stresses the primary obligation of citizens and politicians in democracies to uphold fundamental human dignity in all democratic activities. It also emphasizes the importance of informing one's conscience properly, not by current trends or by the media, but rather by sound Catholic doctrine.

Respect for the human person and commitment to the common good are two fundamental principles on which Catholic social teaching is based. Respect for human life and protection of the family, which is founded on the union of a man and woman, are very important fundamental rights that must be defended. At the same time, education, protection of minors, political freedoms, especially religious freedoms, fostering a just economy, and working for world peace are also values that should be upheld within democratic societies. Whatever violates the dignity of the human person, including abortion and euthanasia, or violates the rights of the embryo, especially in stem-cell research, as well as modern forms of slavery such as drug abuse and prostitution, also should be the concern of Catholics holding political office and those who vote for them.

The Church recognizes that democracy perhaps is the best expression of the direct participation of citizens in political choices. Democracy only succeeds, however, to the extent that it is based on a correct understanding of the human person. In fact, it is respect for the truth about the human person that makes democratic participation possible. Our Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, in his encyclical, "The Splendor of Truth,"outlines for us the basic principles of moral thinking. He states that modern society has "detach[ed] human freedom from its essential and constitutive relation to truth" in a way that individuals make decisions and life choices independently of the natural law and the Church's teachings ("Veritatis Splendor," 4). Unfortunately, in our country today we find moral and cultural relativism, which causes some citizens to claim complete autonomy in their moral choices and which allows politicians to enact laws which ignore the principle of natural ethics, as if every possible outlook on life were of equal value. Much of the Church's moral teaching is not a matter of faith or belief, but rather is based on natural ethical principles and a proper philosophical understanding of the nature of man. For example, the Church's opposition to abortion is not a tenet of faith, but rather a long-standing tradition of understanding that the human person's life begins at conception, since what is conceived -- although passing through various stages of human development -- is always the human person and never less than a human person.

The Catholic Church has long upheld the primacy of conscience and freedom in making decisions which have moral ramifications. "[Man] must not be prevented from acting according to his conscience, especially in religious matters" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, n.1782). Yet, before one can act, and because an unformed conscience can lead one to errors of judgment, the conscience must be properly formed in accord with the true good willed by God and aided by the authoritative teaching of the Church. Given this freedom of conscience, Catholics may choose among political parties and may choose strategies for promoting the common good, but may never promote laws which are incompatible with the faith and with natural law, including those which lead to attacks on human life. The American principle of the separation of Church and State when misunderstood has perhaps led some to avoid forming their consciences properly as the basis for their political participation. In modern times, the Church has never argued that Church and State should not be separate entities. It is impossible, however, to separate religion and morality from our actions as citizens. Indeed, we are fortunate in a democratic society that we are able to vote for those who reflect our moral values. However, with this vote comes the responsibility to exercise it in a way that is compatible with Christian values.

Perhaps most importantly the "Doctrinal Note" from the Holy See is aimed at reminding Catholics involved in political life that they must follow a properly formed conscience in their political activities. The document cites the many saints that the Church venerates who have generously committed themselves to politics and government. Most notably is St. Thomas More, who was proclaimed patron of statesmen and politicians and who gave witness by martyrdom to the inalienable dignity of the human conscience. St. Thomas More refused to put the wishes of his king before the law of his God. And so, too, we remind our Catholic politicians today, who have a tremendous burden on their shoulders, and who many times must go against the tide, of the need to properly form their consciences regarding the moral issues on which they legislate. They are not asked to serve as proxies for the institutional Church, but they are expected to bring a properly informed conscience -- enlightened by their faith -- and a proper understanding of the human person to bear on their political activities and votes. The fact that we live in a pluralistic society, which must accommodate various points of view, remains for some politicians just a convenient excuse for avoiding the moral implications of their civic actions, since in democratic societies we are free to try to convince others of the correctness of our position. Democracy should not be reduced to a series of compromises which in the end becomes a substitute for moral decision making rooted in truth.

In light of these observations, I am always troubled when a Church institution or group grants a place of prominence, or accords an honor, to an individual in public life whose record shows opposition to the Church's clear and consistent teaching on human life and other moral issues. I say this mindful of concerns I have heard expressed by members of the faithful not only in our Diocese but elsewhere as well. In order to avoid confusion in their thinking as to the Church's commitment to these issues, an obligation which I as Bishop view profoundly, I ask parishes, schools, agencies and organizations in our Diocese to respect this concern and review carefully the records of public officials, especially Catholics, before extending invitations to them to Church events.

Political participation is incumbent upon us as Catholic citizens. We must support those in political life who foster a constant and comprehensive support for the dignity of human life. Being a good citizen and a good Catholic are one and the same. As we fulfill our civic obligations, we put out into the deep to transform the world with values that are rooted in the truth.