by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ and Director, CREDI
Today, September 15, the world observes International Day of Democracy. While democracies share common features, there is no single model of democracy. The theme this year is Strengthening Voices for Democracy. The aim is “to shine a spotlight on the importance of people’s voices, both expressed directly and through their elected representatives”.
But having a voice is not enough. Often the ‘voices’ that are influencing policies and programmes are not from those whose values will help to build the common good. Our Church is constantly reminding us of the threats to democracy – such as moral relativism, individualism, selfishness, and radical secularism. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI warned about “reductive secularism which tries to delegitimise the Church’s participation in public debate”. If we are to maintain freedom of religion we must reject any attempts to take God out of our Constitution.
In 2008, he reminded us that despite the value of democratic principles, they alone are not enough to form a solid foundation for a society. (See Zenit) “Quoting his encyclical Spe Salvi, Pope Emeritus Benedict said ‘the moral well-being of the world can never be guaranteed simply through structures alone, however good they are. Democracy on its own is not enough, unless it is guided and enlightened by values rooted in the truth about the human person…While governments take responsibility for the political ordering of the state, the Church unceasingly proclaims her vision of the God-given dignity and rights of the human person’.”
Democracy is based on moral truths. Catholics believe that there are objective moral truths. Our task is to share with others in our daily lives our vision of what democracy means to us. We can do this by being true witnesses to our faith. In 2005 the then UN Secretary-General listed certain essential principles of democratic governance – “equality before the law, participation in decision-making, and procedural and legal transparency. Deterioration in one or other element could seriously weaken the overall framework of democracy and human rights.”
We must help build an inclusive/participatory democracy – the foundation of which is based on the sanctity of life, from conception to natural death, and the dignity of each person; a democracy that promotes solidarity, family life, community, and the common good; one that creates conditions that will allow each person to realise his/her potential and to participate fully in all aspects of society; one in which we recognise not only our rights but also our responsibilities as outlined in our scriptures, e.g. see Matthew 25: 31-46 and Luke 4:18.
What is the quality of our democracy? Michel Rosenfield reminds us that: “The rule of law is a cornerstone of contemporary constitutional democracy.” How are we advancing the rule of law and protecting fundamental human rights? Is our democratic system one in which the poor and the vulnerable find an equal place and in which everyone acts as good stewards of God’s Creation?
Principles of equity, equality, fairness, respect, and justice are essential if we are to strengthen our democracy. Good governance in which there is transparency and accountability; effective and efficient institutions; and an economy that serves the people are the hallmarks of a good democratic system.
As Republic Day approaches, let us celebrate our achievements, while at the same time taking stock of where we are and commit ourselves to help build a truly democratic nation. To do so, we must strive to create a culture in which there can be honest, open dialogue. This will only be achieved if we reject all that prevent us from addressing the root causes of our problems such as crime and violence, deficiencies in the education system, the health system, the administration of justice, corruption, etc.
Our glass is more than half full. God has blessed us with talented people and rich natural resources. As we approach the implementation of our Archdiocese’s 3rd Pastoral Priority, Regenerating the moral and spiritual values of our society, we recognise the urgent need to promote morals and values that will strengthen our fledgling democracy.
The opening sentences in a book by Robert P George, titled Making Men Moral: Civil Liberties and Public Morality, are instructive: “Laws cannot make men/women moral. Only men/women can do that, and they can do it only by freely choosing to do the morally right thing for the right reason.”
Cicero reminded us that “Within the character of the citizen lies the welfare of the nation.” Let us strengthen our democracy by strengthening the character of our people.
