440 POLITICS A DUTY IN A SPIRIT OF CHARITY, TRUTH, AND JUSTICE

YOUCAT Lesson 440

YOUCAT the catechism for Catholic youth

440  Are Christians obliged to become involved in politics and society?

It is a special duty of the Christian laity people to become involved in politics, society, and commerce in the spirit of the Gospel: in charity, truth, and justice.  Catholic social teaching offers them clear guidance in this endeavor.  [2442]

The bumper sticker depicts a human embryo at left and a baby seal at right.  It asks the question “Guess which one isn’t protected.”  I have one of these stickers on my Camry (above) and another on my Toyota Sienna (not shown). ….. 440

Partisan political activity is, however, incompatible with the ministry of bishops, priests, and religious who must be of service to everyone.“It is appropriate to emphasize the preeminent role that belongs to the laity, both men and women…It is their task to animate temporal realities with Christian commitment by which they show that they are witnesses and agents of peace and justice.”  Pope John Paul II (1920-2005).  Encyclical “Sollicitudo rei Socialis”

 [2442]

V. JUSTICE AND SOLIDARITY AMONG NATIONS

2442 It is not the role of the Pastors of the Church to intervene directly in the political structuring and organization of social life. This task is part of the vocation of the lay faithful, acting on their own initiative with their fellow citizens. Social action can assume various concrete forms. It should always have the common good in view and be in conformity with the message of the Gospel and the teaching of the Church. It is the role of the laity "to animate temporal realities with Christian commitment, by which they show that they are witnesses and agents of peace and justice.” --Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition