As of the time of writing this article, our country is three weeks away from holding elections for the next President of the United States.  Each of us, to greater or lesser extent, has been listening to the news, watching debates, participating in discussions with friends and family and determining personally what choice we will make in the elections.  Some may even be deciding whether or not to vote at all given the apparently confusing issues being discussed and the questions one may have about the worthiness of either candidate.  In spite of the challenges, however, it is a significant responsibility we have as citizens and as Catholics to participate in shaping the governance of our country through the presidential elections.  St. Paul instructed his student and friend Timothy of the importance of faithful citizenship on behalf of Christians when he wrote in the First Letter to Timothy:

First of all, then, I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone, for kings and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil way of life in all devotion and dignity.  This is good and pleasing to God our savior, who wills everyone to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. (1: 1-3)

It is the knowledge of the truth revealed to us by Jesus Christ and mediated through the teaching authority of the Catholic Church, which should be the source of the decisions we make as we consider casting our votes at any time as citizens.  Fully aware of this, the Bishops of the United States have authored a document on this civic responsibility entitled Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship.  In that document, the U.S. Bishops Ask four questions that help clarify the role of Catholics in participating in political life.  Over the next three weeks, we will consider these questions starting with the first two this week.  A very comprehensive source of information that addresses these questions, and more can be found at the website sponsored by the Conference of Bishops: www.faithfulcitizenship.org

1) Why Does the Church Teach About Issues Affecting Public Policy?

The Church concerns itself with issue of public policy and political initiatives because all Catholics and Christians are called by Christ to impact the world in which they live for the better.  The Church's primary theme for any of it's statements on political activities is the sacredness of every human life.  This does not only mean the sacredness of life regarding the unborn and the issue of abortion, however this issue carries significantly more moral responsibility on the part of all Catholics for its defense.  The sacredness of life also has a bearing on the elderly, the handicapped, the rights of workers, the ability of families to provide for their basic needs, the upright conduct of employers and owners of business, and the care of those who have come to call this country their home.  The bishops point out that while the Church should not try to replace government, it does have experience in two essential areas from which the Church can offer advice or guidance.  First, the Church provides a consistent moral framework with which to make decisions and, secondly, the Church has had broad experience in serving those in need.

2) Who in the Church Should Participate in Political Life?

It is through the sacrament of baptism that we are brought into a relationship with God that should bear witness to our beliefs about the world He has created and His desire for all people to be saved. The U.S. Bishops points out this baptismal call to witness to Christ means that every Christian should participate in political life, those who are ordained, consecrated and living in the lay state.  Furthermore, they caution that, "As Catholics, we should be guided more by our moral convictions than by our attachment to a political party or interest group" (Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenshhip, n. 14).  To be guided in this way means that we take the time and effort necessary to learn about the party platform of candidates and their own political goals as representatives of the people of our nation.

Next week we'll consider how our faith helps us make proper decisions regarding the responsibility to vote.