May 1, 2009
Political responsibility
Should Catholics be involved in politics, public policy making? The answer is “yes.” These responsibilities are outlined in a November 2007 statement called Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States. It says, “This obligation to participate in political life is rooted in our baptismal commitment to follow Jesus Christ and to bear Christian witness in all we do.” The statement is available at www.faithfulcitizenship.org
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) reminds us “It is necessary that all participate, each according to his position and role, in promoting the common good. This obligation is inherent to the dignity of the human person . . . . As far as possible citizens should take an active part in public life.” (nos.1913-1915)