New Vatican document calls for participation of Catholics in politics

The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith released a new document on January 16 called a Doctrinal Note on Some Questions Regarding the Participation of Catholics in Political Life.

This Note is directed to "Bishops of the Catholic Church, Catholic politicians and all lay members of the faithful called to participate in the political life of democratic societies" and is a reminder of "some of the principles proper to the Christian conscience, which inspire the social and political involvement of Catholics in democratic societies."

The Note reminds us that faith and the natural moral law are written in the hearts of every man and woman and that there are political opinions that are compatible with the Catholic faith, moral principles and essential values. When the Note was made public, Bishop Wilton D. Gregory, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, made the statement: "Because, as the Note reminds us, there are ‘non-negotiable ethical principles which are the underpinning of life in society’ Catholic politicians cannot subscribe to any notion which equates freedom or democracy with a moral relativism that denies these moral principles." Bishop Gregory also expressed that "the values brought by Christians to the political process must not be muted or silenced by any intolerant secularism which would deny the legitimacy of moral values espoused by Christians who would speak or act according to their conscience."

Bishop Gregory reiterated that the Catholic Bishops of the United States have been outspoken in political and moral dialogue within the democratic process, stressing the need to ethically support the human person in all aspects of life, from conception until natural death. This entails "safeguarding the family, promoting education, protecting minors, defending religious freedom, assuring a just economy and fostering peace."

Reflecting further on the participation of Catholics in politics, Bishop Gregory stated that "the Catholic Church is rightly proud of the contribution of its members to the democratic process in this country." He also recognized the debt of gratitude owed to Catholic politicians who work to execute policies that reflect true respect and essential moral values of the human person.

Bishop Gregory’s complete letter is posted on the Diocese of New Ulm’s web site www.dnu.org under News and Information — News Releases with a link to the document from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.