Dear Parishioners:
This election year is an extremely intense time for our nation. Unprecedented events have occurred that have led to a potency and deep divide in our politics. Political violence like the attempted assassination of President Trump was rightly condemned. Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, and president of the U.S. Conference of Bishops (USCCB) offered the following statement:
"Together with my brother bishops, we condemn political violence, and we offer our prayers for President Trump and those who were killed or injured. We also pray for our country and for an end to political violence, which is never a solution to political disagreements. We ask all people of goodwill to join us in praying for peace in our country. Mary, Mother of God and Patroness of the Americas pray for us."
The news this past week that President Biden will not seek his party's nomination for reelection to the presidency was startling. Following the recent Republican National Convention in Milwaukee and just weeks before the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, these two events have changed the political landscape.
It is said that U.S. voters don't pay much attention to candidates and elections until after Labor Day. This year, I think that is not the case, due largely to these events. People are more focused than ever on the political news and the candidates for national office. With such an intense focus on politics, it is important for Catholics to remember what our faith teaches us. The teaching about responsibility as citizens is found in the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' document, Faithful Citizenship. It states: "Responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation."
The Catholic Church does not support or oppose political candidates or political parties. In fact, it is against federal law for the Church to take a position on a candidate or political party. The Church is not interested in partisan politics. Instead, She seeks to bring attention and clarity to the moral and human dimensions of the issues. The Church, including her leaders, is obligated to talk about the issues. Pope Benedict XVI wrote:
"The Church cannot and must not take upon herself the political battle to bring about the most just society possible. She cannot and must not replace the State. Yet, at the same time, she cannot and must not remain on the sidelines in the fight for justice."
In an election year and in our highly charged partisan political world, merely speaking on issues is often perceived as the Church speaking about candidates and parties rather than issues. In truth, this is backward. The Church's social doctrine stems from eternal, transcendent, and universal truths. The Church existed long before any candidate or party took a position on the issues. If a particular candidate or party falls on the wrong side of Catholic doctrine, that is their doing, not the Church's. The Church cannot change teachings because politicians want Her to follow their lead.
So, our role as individual Catholic citizens is to actively participate in civic life and learn more about candidates and their positions on issues in light of our Church's teaching. And then to vote with an informed conscience. This is not an easy task, but it is essential. There exists no perfect Catholic candidate or political party. Therefore, Catholic participation in political life is often challenging and sometimes frustrating. We must study and understand the Church's teaching about the sanctity of all human life, the dignity of the human person, the common good, solidarity, subsidiarity, justice, and peace. They should guide any reflection as we examine candidates' positions on issues.
What we must never do is remain cynical, indifferent, and absent from political life. Pope Francis just recently stated: "Indifference is a cancer of democracy. Catholics are called to be active participants in political life and be a force against the decline of democracy worldwide."
Let’s begin with fervent prayer in this political season. Praying for our nation, all political candidates and elected officials, a more civil dialogue, and greater national unity. And then vote in November! Be well. Do good. God Bless. Go Sox!!!