Catholics must link values to politics

Next Tuesday, a thousand or more Catholics from around New York State will assemble at the Capitol in Albany for our annual Public Policy Forum.

Representing the eight dioceses of our Empire State, the assembled clergy, religious and laity will be making known to our Governor and members of the State Legislature our position on issues like the Rockefeller Drug Laws, health insurance coverage for the uninsured and further health funding for behavioral health services, greater political choice in education through tax credits, vouchers or scholarships, help for farmers and migrant farm workers, affordable housing for the poor both in urban and rural areas, and protection for unborn life through the Unborn Victims of Violence Act -- just to mention a few of the issues that will be discussed (see the Feb. 26 issue of The Evangelist for a more in-depth look at the issue).

Presidential year

This year's forum takes place against the backdrop of the presidential election. Every presidential election year, the bishops of our country set forth a political responsibility statement to outline the values and principles that underlie our Catholic Christian vision for a just society.

This year's statement, "Faithful Citizenship: A Catholic Call to Political Responsibility," helps us look at candidates and their policies through the lens of Catholic social teaching, and urges us to bring our faith and moral convictions to public life.

As citizens of the United States, we are blessed with the right to have our voices heard on issues of public affairs.

Church and state

Some argue that religion and politics don't mix; that the principle of the separation of church and state demands that religious values and beliefs must remain in a purely private realm.

However, the separation of church and state does not mean that religious values cannot influence public policy issues. It simply prohibits government-sponsored religion or special prerogatives for any particular faith group.

"Faithful Citizenship" puts it this way: "The Constitution protects the right of individuals and the right of religious bodies to speak out without governmental interference, favoritism or discrimination. Major public issues have moral dimensions. Religious values have significant public consequences. Our nation is enriched, and our tradition of pluralism is enhanced, not threatened, when religious groups contribute their values to public debates."

Voters called

As Christians, then, we are called to be informed, voting and contributing citizens. Our baptismal call challenges us to be "salt for the earth and light for the world."

There is no constitutional reason we cannot bring our Christian values to discussion of public policy issues -- as long as we do so with civility and with an understanding that we live in a pluralistic society wherein the tenets of one particular religious tradition may not receive preferential treatment or may not always be enshrined in the laws of the land.

As we prepare for the presidential campaign, therefore, it is imperative that we in our Catholic Christian community take our responsibilities of citizenship seriously.

Core values

As we listen to and read about the views of candidates, we must ask how their positions reflect and address the core values of our Catholic Christian heritage:

* Where does a candidate stand on protecting human life? In protecting human life, "we must begin with a commitment never to intentionally kill or collude in killing of innocent human life" (Luke 4:18-19). Abortion, euthanasia, assisted suicide, cloning and intentional targeting of civilians in war or terrorist attacks deny the dignity of vulnerable human lives, and mean killing is a personal choice and social good.

* Where does a candidate stand on pursuing social justice? Our faith reflects God's special concern for the poor and vulnerable. Therefore, we must consider issues like a living wage, the rights of workers, welfare reform, social security, affordable and accessible health care, housing, food security, hunger, farm workers' rights, the criminal justice system and caring for earth.

* Where does a candidate stand on practicing global solidarity? Faithful citizenship includes addressing poverty; helping to alleviate global inequities; reversing the spread of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons; protecting persons fleeing homeland persecution; and protecting immigrant workers.

Politics and morality

In raising those fundamental questions, we are seeking to foster a new kind of politics: "focused on moral principles, not on the latest polls; on the needs of the poor and vulnerable, not on the contributions of the rich and powerful; and on the pursuit of the common good, not the demands of special interests."

Further, in raising these issues and making our voices heard, it is imperative that we not underestimate the difference we can make. Indeed, it is amazing what the power one person's voice has. A phone call, letter or visit with a legislator can be a factor in how the elected official votes on a public policy issue.

A well composed letter to the editor can influence public opinion. A chat with a friend or neighbor can have a ripple effect throughout the community.

Common good

Jesus calls us to a relationship with God, and with our brothers and sisters in the community around us. As Catholics, we believe that the core values and teachings of our heritage can benefit the common good and lead to a happier life. Hence, we have a responsibility to share these values and teachings with the wider society.

In issuing this call to faithful citizenship, "we bishops do not wish to instruct persons on how to vote by endorsing or opposing candidates." Rather, we are urging Catholics to "see beyond party politics, to analyze campaign rhetoric critically and to choose political leaders according to principle, not party affiliation or mere self-interest.

"We hope the voters will examine candidates on a full range of issues, as well as their personal integrity, philosophy and performance. We are convinced a consistent ethic of life should be the moral framework to address issues in the public arena."

I hope that our Catholic people will reflect upon "Faithful Citizenship" and participate in the Catholic Advocacy Network as a practical means for putting our faith into action.

(To participate in the Public Policy Forum, contact Catholic Charities, 453-6650. Those who cannot be present in person can participate by joining the Catholic Advocacy Network, 453-6630, which provides information on public policy issues and on how to contact elected representatives to let one's voice be heard. The Bishops encourages all in the Albany Diocese to become part of the network.)

(3/4/04) [[In-content Ad]]