We need to participate in politics for the common good

My dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

In this time of political uncertainty, it’s tempting to be cynical about the motivations and tactics of politicians and to want to disengage from politics. But in spite of what people often say, “politics” is not a dirty word. In fact, as Pope Francis forcefully reminds us, committed Christians and faithful citizens need to participate actively in politics to ensure the common good.

Given all the threats we face here at home and in other parts of the world, we can’t help but ask ourselves: In a time of political turmoil, is it really possible to sustain the vision of our nation’s founders for a free society that ensures liberty, justice and equality for all?

I believe the answer is a resounding “Yes!” But to be successful, all citizens must have reasonable confidence in their political leadership, and they must engage in the political process in meaningful ways.

As Pope Francis wrote in his encyclical Fratelli Tutti, “If society is to have a future, it must respect the truth of our human dignity and submit to that truth. . . . A society is noble and decent, not least for its support of the pursuit of truth and its adherence to the most basic of truths” (Fratelli Tutti, no. 207). And, as we bishops of the United States have written in our 2023 statement on the Role of the Church in American Political Life (see below):

The truths that guide public life can be known by natural reason. The sanctity of human life, the equal dignity of all individuals, the obligation to protect the vulnerable, the nature and purposes of sex, marriage, and family—these are not exclusively “religious” truths, but truths that all people of goodwill can come to know without the aid of revelation. Our Catholic faith sheds light on these truths, and so we have a duty to bring that light to our nation.

Continue reading Cardinal Joseph Tobin’s latest newsletter.