Father Kleppner - October 22, 2006

FAITHFUL CITIZENSHIP   Embracing a Catholic Call to Political Responsibility

“In the Catholic tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue; participation in the political process is a moral obligation.

As U.S. Citizens we are all entrusted with an individual civic responsibility to be actively involved in the political and legislative processes of our country. This is an on-going responsibility that should be cherished and never squandered. We must take care to exercise this responsibility on a continual basis and not just in a presidential election year.

In the political arena, our society makes fundamental decisions about life and death, war and peace, and how the least among us will fare in a complex world.

As Catholics the Word of God and the teachings of our Church give us a particular view of the world. We are called to see our civic and political responsibilities through the eyes of faith. In essence as Catholic Christians we are called to bring our moral convictions to public life.

The Catholic approach to faithful citizenship begins with moral principles, not party platforms. It is from an in-depth and thoughtful understanding of Church teaching and Scripture that we can best utilize the power given to us as citizens to ultimately effect, in a positive way, the common good.

HOW CAN I FAITHFULLY ENGAGE IN LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY?

Frequently our local, state and federal government bodies contemplate issues that require input and response from us as faithful citizens. The following are ways that you can be part of that response:

  • Join the diocesan Legislative Advocacy Network to receive information on current Church supported or opposed legislation.
    (Call 412-456-3156 for a registration form).

  • Take advantage of every opportunity to study Church teaching in order to understand how to apply Catholic values to legislation and public issues.

  • Be aware of current events.

  • Read and respond to Action Alerts that are sent to all members of the diocesan Legislative Advocacy Network. These alerts name the bill, identify the bill number, give a brief description and history of the legislation, give specific directions on the needed action, and provide contact information about whom to contact and when.

Note: All directives from the diocesan Legislative Advocacy Coordination Effort will follow the guidelines of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference and the Diocese of Pittsburgh’s Legislative Review Committee.

HOW CAN I FAITHFULLY ENGAGE IN THE POLITICAL PROCESS?

Decisions about candidates and public policy choices require a clear commitment to a moral framework. At the heart of faithful citizenship is a commitment to being part of the process. The following are ways that you can be part of that process:

  • Make note of voting dates and registration deadlines.*

  • Register to vote.*

  • If needed obtain an absentee ballot.*

  • Become familiar with candidates, their stated positions, voting records and platforms.

  • Read the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference Voter Guide on candidates’ positions on significant issues
    (available through the Pittsburgh Catholic).

  • VOTE!

In 1988, the U.S. bishops reminded us that, “Every voice matters in the public forum. Every vote counts. Every act of responsible citizenship is an exercise of significant individual power.”

*Voter information is available at www.dos.state.pa.us. Under the section listing “areas of interest” go to: voter registration.

KEY THEMES FROM THE HEART OF CATHOLIC SOCIAL TRADITION THAT HELP GUIDE A CATHOLIC APPROACH TO FAITHFUL CITIZENSHIP

These themes anchor our role in public life. They help us to resist excessive self interest, blind partisanship, and ideological agendas. These themes play a key role in the legitimate freedom of Catholic citizens to choose political opinions that are compatible with faith and the natural moral law, and to select what best corresponds to the needs of the common good.

  1. Life and Dignity of the Human Person

  2. Call to Family, Community and Participation

  3. Rights and Responsibilities

  4. Option for the Poor and Vulnerable

  5. Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers

  6. Solidarity

  7. Caring for God’s Creation

The dual calling of faith and citizenship is at the heart of what it means to be a Catholic in the United States at this time. We urge Catholics to register to vote, and become more involved in public life, to protect human life and dignity and to advance the common good. Faithful Citizenship challenges us to seek a place at the table of life for all God’s children.”

From Faithful Citizenship: A Catholic Call to Political Responsibility USCCB 2003

 


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