Recently I was in a group studying Communities of Salt and Light, a booklet of reflections on the social mission of parishes written by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. “The voices of parishioners need to be heard on behalf of vulnerable children – born and unborn – on behalf of those who suffer discrimination and injustice, on behalf of those without healthcare or housing, on behalf of our land and water, our communities and neighborhoods. Parishioners need to bring our values and vision into the debates about a changing world and shifting national priorities. Parishes and parishioners are finding diverse ways to be political without being partisan. … This kind of genuine political responsibility strengthens local communities as it enriches the witness of our parishes.” This brought about an interesting conversation. Is it truly possible to be political without being partisan?
I believe part of the problem is how these words are used today, almost interchangeably. Webster’s Dictionary defines political as “relating to government or conduct of government; relating to policies.” When we speak of issues and policies, we are in fact being political. The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church (CSDC) clarifies that “to ensure the common good, the government has the specific duty to harmonize interests with justice which is one of the most delicate tasks of public authority.” (169) The purpose of government is to promote the common good of society without usurping the rights and dignity of the individuals. Catholic social teaching endorses subsidiarity; the principle in which matters ought to be handled by the lowest or least centralized authority. Subsidiarity protects the person from abuses of authority.
In contrast, partisan is defined by Webster’s as “the firm adherence to a party, faction, cause, or person; especially one exhibiting blind, prejudiced and unreasoning allegiance.” Political parties are to “Interpret the aspirations of civil society and orienting them toward the common good – to be of service to civil society.” (CSDC 413) They have the task of fostering widespread participation and making public responsibilities accessible to all.
We get tired of the election campaigns, the television ads, the mechanized phone calls, and we might be tempted not to participate in the democratic system. We need to participate. It is the participation of us citizens to elect and hold accountable those who govern us. (CSDC 406) The Church values our participation. “We need to participate for the common good,” says Pope Francis in his morning meditation on September 16, 2013. “Sometimes we hear: a good Catholic is not interested in politics. This is not true: good Catholics immerse themselves in politics by offering the best of themselves so that the leader can govern.”
Catholics have a moral obligation to promote the common good, and to vote, but it must be done informed and with a well formed conscience (CCC 2240). The Wisconsin Catholic Conference has a seven part series of handouts and guides to help people inform their consciences in order to participate more fully in the political process. They are found on our website www.diolc.org/ministries under “Take Action!” We must support candidates and programs which best respond to the dignity of each person and the common good. Pope Benedict XVI taught “The more we strive to secure a common good corresponding to the real needs of our neighbors, the more effectively we love them.” (Caritas in Veritate #7) We have the conviction all human life is created in the image and likeness of God and therefore, is sacred and has inherent dignity. People are more important than things.
We can strengthen our local communities and enrich the witness of our parishes with our political responsibility. We should bring our values and vision into the public debates. “People in every nation enhance the social dimension of their lives by acting as committed and responsible citizens, not as a mob swayed by the powers that be. Let us not forget that “responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation” (Pope Francis, Gaudium Evangeliium, 11/24/13, no. 220)
And don’t forget to bring a photo ID to the polls!
February 16, 2016 is Spring Primary,
April 5, 2016 is Spring Election and Presidential Primary
August 9, 2016 is Fall Partisan Primary
November 8, 2016 is the Fall General Election