Statement by
January 16, 2003
Bishop Wilton D. Gregory, President
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has made public today a Doctrinal Note on Some Questions Regarding the Participation of Catholics in Political Life. That Note, which 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" is a most timely reminder of "some of the principles proper to the Christian conscience, which inspire the social and political involvement of Catholics in democratic societies." I welcome this statement as it addresses some of the profound challenges faced by Catholic politicians and voters who are confronted with various moral and social issues in the context of a democratic society.
I am pleased that the Note has recalled the tradition of the Church that there exist various political opinions compatible with faith and the natural moral law written into the hearts of every man and woman. For this reason, Catholic men and women can make a great contribution to the political sphere by their participation, and by bringing to that process their properly formed convictions based in moral principles and essential values which are rooted in our nature as human beings and in our Catholic faith. 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. Further, while acknowledging the differences between the political and religious orders, 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.
The Catholic Bishops of the United States have a long tradition of adding their voices to the political and moral dialogue of our democratic process. We too have stressed the fundamental and inalienable ethical demands of our human nature which support the life of every human person, from conception until natural death. This respect for the human person extends to safeguarding the family, promoting education, protecting minors, defending religious freedom, assuring a just economy and fostering peace. Indeed Catholics involved in politics recognize that in these essential moral questions, our faith does not allow a commitment to support only one or some of these areas of responsibility for the common good.
The Catholic Church is rightly proud of the contribution of its members to the democratic process in this country. We owe a debt of gratitude to those Catholics involved in politics on all levels who work to enact policies which truly respect the most essential moral values of our human nature. I hope that this letter will serve as an encouragement to them and a reminder to all of the profound duty and obligation which Catholics involved in politics have to work without exception or reservation for all of the goods rooted in our human nature.
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Secretariat for Doctrine and Pastoral Practices
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
3211 4th Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20017-1194 (202) 541-3000