We've all heard Catholic political leaders
insisting "I'm personally opposed to abortion, but can't impose my
convictions on others," when many public choices involve acting on our
convictions even when others disagree. We've seen Catholic
representatives and judges cavalierly dismiss the witness of Pope John
Paul II and the teaching of the Catechism on the use of the death
penalty. We've seen members of our faith seem indifferent or hostile to
Catholic teachings on life and death, war and peace, the priority of the
poor and welcome for immigrants.
In this effort we must be principled, courageous
and wise. We need to persuade, not just proclaim, to engage not condemn.
But we also must tell the truth. When Catholics deny what our faith
teaches or insist their faith has no role in their public choices, we
have to find effective ways to make clear what our Church teaches and
that public life should reflect our deepest values, not just partisan or
ideological agenda, or the demands of special interests.
Our message is positive. Our faith gives us
moral principles and ethical criteria to guide our public choices.
Our nation is enriched, not diminished when we bring our deepest
convictions to public debate and decisions. These religious and
moral convictions have been at the heart of the civil rights
struggle and the defense of the unborn, the pursuit of peace and the
search for economic justice. Every believer, every Catholic,
especially those in public life, needs to ask does our faith shape
our politics or other way around?
We are not a sect fleeing the world. We
constantly pray to Our Father, "thy kingdom come, thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven." We are called to be the "salt of the
earth," the "light of the world," the "leaven in society." This is
not always easy. As we pointed out in Faithful Citizenship, "At this
time, some Catholics may feel politically homeless, sensing that no
political party and too few candidates share a consistent concern
for human life and dignity. However, this is not a time for retreat
or discouragement. We need more, not less engagement in political
life by Catholics."
Our goal is to help all the Catholic faithful,
including Catholic political leaders, to more fully understand and
embrace the teaching of our faith. We also seek to be effective in
shaping our society so that all children have the opportunity to see
the day of their birth as well as the opportunity to live a decent
life, free of poverty and suffering. For guidance, we can look to
the prophetic example of Pope John Paul II, who speaks to all and
who speaks the truth.
So we come to you - now and in the days ahead
-asking for your guidance. How do you teach and preach, engage and
persuade in this environment? How do you carry out your roles as
faithful teachers and pastors, advocates and leaders?
We will also consult with the Holy See and
other bishops Conferences. We plan to bring back a set of general
guidelines to help shape the prudential judgments we will make.
Our Faithful Citizenship statement offers a
way forward. It calls us to be:
-
political, but not partisan
-
principled, but not ideological
-
clear, but also civil
-
engaged, but not used.
I and the other members of or Task Force look
forward to your advice and guidance today and in the days and weeks
ahead.
