"Faithful citizenship"by Bishop William S. Skylstad (From the Nov. 11, 1999 edition of the Inland Register)
In my role as bishop the most criticism I receive concerns the Church’s stance on certain societal issues and, most especially, issues in our State of Washington. The following comments I received before the recent election are a sampling:
There certainly is a diversity of opinions. Yet, the Church doesn’t tell citizens how to vote nor do we rate political candidates. The bishops’ intent is to inform voters in light of the call of the Gospel and the Church’s social teaching. Both of these sources provide ample opportunity for constant reflection and guidance as we involve ourselves in the political process. For all of us, there is the constant need to continue to acquaint ourselves with our tradition and teaching. Some take the separation of church and state to the extreme, suggesting that the Church should have nothing to say about political issues. Our history here in the United States clearly indicates that that the state has no business in establishing a particular religion. However, that doesn’t mean that religion doesn’t have a role in providing moral reflection on political issues and calling for responsibility for the common good of society. In our Roman Catholic tradition, we have the principles of our social teaching which help give guidance to our reflection and decisions. Almost every political issue, if not every one, has a moral dimension. Moral reflection is a demand before every political stance. Every four years the Administrative Board of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops issues a political responsibility statement. The most recent statement was made available just a couple of weeks ago. Soon it will be available in pamphlet form and can already be found on the bishops’ web site: http://www.nccbuscc.org/SDWP. The title speaks to the significance of the moment as we are about to enter a new moment in history: Faithful Citizenship: Civic Responsibility for a New Millennium. I encourage you to read it and study it carefully. By the way, it isn’t long – only about 6,000 words. Although there is a lot of criticism and cynicism about our political system, the Church has always taken the position that we must strive to make our political system the best possible through our faithful citizenship. As a Church, we bring assets to the public square: a consistent moral framework, our everyday experience, and our participation in the community of citizens. We offer ethical and moral reflection on issues. We work for the common good with special sensitivity for the poor and vulnerable through persuasion and encouragement, not manipulation nor attempt to control. The bishops’ statement repeats the themes of the Church’s social teaching: the life and dignity of the human person; the call to family, community, and participation; rights and responsibilities, option of the poor and vulnerable; the dignity of work and the rights of workers; solidarity with the human family; and care for God’s creation. These principles provide a lens through which we can look at society and political issues and make responsible judgements as citizens. This most recent statement also focuses on moral priorities for public life as we begin a new millennium: protecting human life; promoting family life; pursuing social justice, and practicing global solidarity. No one needs to tell us that as a nation we have much room for improvement in these areas, just as we in the Church have a continuing need for our own conversion of heart and greater holiness of life. The last sentence of Faithful Citizenship points us in the direction of a vision which can deepen our relationship with God, our Church, our nation and our world: “This dual calling of faith and citizenship is at the heart of what it means to be Catholic in the United States as we look with hope to the beginning a new millennium.” May God bless you and give you peace.
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We have just concluded our general election a few days ago, and now our country is gearing up for the presidential election next November. Such moments give us the opportunity to reflect upon our political responsibility and our engagement in the political process.