“As far as possible citizens should take an active part in public life…Catholics have a moral obligation to promote the common good through the exercise of their voting privileges” (Catechism 1915, 2240).
Over the next few weeks each political party will be seeking to convince us that that party will govern responsibly, with integrity; and will improve the quality of life of all citizens and promote sustainable development etc., etc.
Recently CCSJ commissioned The Good News Media to solicit and videotape primary students’ views about values and virtues. The brief video was shown at the launch of the 2nd Edition of the Students’ Workbook for the Values and Virtues Formation Programme for post-SEA students.
Many of those present were surprised to note that most of the students who were interviewed did not know the meaning of the word “integrity” – even though this word has been bandied about in T&T over the past few years. Young and old should know the meaning of this word; they should understand the importance of “integrity” in developing moral/ethical strength. When we pray “Lord, make me whole” – wholeness includes integrity.
I believe in lifelong learning/faith formation. Character development does not cease when we leave school. We should all be striving to be saints. I acknowledge our human frailty and that we sometimes stray from the path of righteousness. But it is never too late to redeem ourselves.
We need politicians with integrity. My plea to ALL our politicians during the election campaign, is to stop mamaguying our people and truly commit yourselves to do what you know in your hearts is right to improve the quality of life of our people, many of whom are on the margins of our society.
As for Catholic politicians, I remind you of Pope Benedict XVI’s words in November 2008 when he told an assembly of the Pontifical Council for the Laity that where “the authentic quality of human life in society is implicated,” Catholics involved in political life must “remain coherent to the faith they profess, uphold their moral rigour, capacity for cultural judgement, professional competency and passion for service of the common good.” (See Baklinski: LifeSiteNews).
The Holy Father also told us in his Encyclical, God is Love (2005), “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” (no. 28).
Some documents that we should all read/revisit are:
• the Vatican’s 2002 Doctrinal Note on some questions regarding The Participation of Catholics in Political Life, and
• the US Bishops’ Conference 2003 and 2007 documents entitled: Faithful Citizenship and Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States.
The Bishops state in the latter document that they “do not intend to tell Catholics for whom or against whom to vote. Our purpose is to help Catholics form their consciences in accordance with God’s truth…with the right foundation Catholics will be better able to evaluate policy positions, party platforms, and candidates’ promises and actions in light of the Gospel and the moral and social teaching of the Church in order to help build a better world… participation goes well beyond casting a vote in a particular election…
“The Church calls for a different kind of political engagement: one shaped by the moral convictions of well-formed consciences and focused on the dignity of every human being, the pursuit of the common good, and the protection of the weak and the vulnerable… As Catholics, we should be guided more by our moral convictions than by our attachment to a political party or interest group.”
Inter alia, they urge Catholics to “address the moral and human dimensions of public issues; share church teaching on human life, human rights, and justice and peace; and apply Catholic values to legislation and public issues.”
Let us pray earnestly that those who will govern us will be servant leaders – upright, honest citizens who will use the nation’s resources to create conditions in which each of us can realise our potential.
Send feedback to: ccsjfeedback@gmail.com. To purchase: The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, Take a Bite social justice programme on DVD, and the Responses to 101 Questions on Catholic Social Teaching, contact CCSJ at 622-2691 or 290-1635.
