What We Believe In

[DXRocker73]

This comes from the Bishop of Austin, Texas, USA. I thought this was really good:

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ;

"Politics and religion don't go together." "Religion ought to stay out
of politics."

We often hear these statements. I propose to you that they are false
statements and are not grounded in reality of daily experience of life
and faith. We cannot keep our religion - that is, our faith in God -
just in church, at home, at work, in the community, without it also
affecting the political arena. It is not logical nor is it helpful to
compartmentalize our lives in such a way to think that our belief in God
and the values that we stand for will not affect the politicians we vote
for and the good that we want our government to accomplish.

At the same time, we are bound by our faith in Christ and by our
conscience to uphold the moral values that we stand for as Christians,
and to do our best to elect people who will help our country carry on
its important mission trying to uphold the life, the dignity, and the
freedom of each person.

When you and I go to the voting polls, we go as the person that we are.
When I press the buttons on the voting machine I cannot and should not
forget that I am a Catholic and that I stand for certain moral values.
To do less than that would be dishonest and unfair to the good of our
country.

If we truly are God loving people who uphold family, life, and the
freedom of each person, then we must vote for people who we believe will
bring these values into their administration.

I do agree that churches, as institutions, should not directly support
or criticize by name any particular candidate for office. In the
Catholic Church we are very clear in our statement on "Faithful
Citizenship" that individual candidates cannot be invited to speak at
Sunday Mass, any worship service, or on the premises of the parish.
Only if all candidates for a particular elected position are allowed to
have a debate could a candidate appear on church property. Therefore,
it is not our job as a church to enter the political arena to support or
criticize a particular candidate. To align churches with political
parties weakens our ability to stand as a moral voice in our society.

Sometimes the position of the Catholic Church on political issues is
misunderstood. In every national election, the Catholic Church lists
the current issues that we ask all members of our church to be mindful
as they vote for candidates. Listed below in importance are the major
issues that we ask the members of our church to think about in voting
for candidates.

1. The life and dignity of the human person
2. Our call to family
3. The rights and responsibilities of people and all institutions
4. An option for the poor and vulnerable
5. The dignity of work and the rights of workers
6. Global solidarity
7. Caring for God's creation

It is the responsibility of each voter to carefully study the platform
of candidates and to know where they stand on these issues. I daresay
that there is no one candidate that would "fit the bill" on all of these
issues. Therefore, the issues and the candidate must be weighed in
prayer and with an enlightened conscience.

Most importantly, as we draw closer to our national elections let us be
people of faith who pray for the good or our country and that God will
lead and inspire all those elected to govern us. May God's peace be
with our country. God bless America. God bless you.

Sincerely in Christ,
Most Rev. Gregory Aymond
Bishop of Austin

 

[DrBubbaLove]

Agree with the Bishop that there are many issues and abortion is only one. However, can think of no other issue where so many lives are at stake and where the difference between the two is so great. Some will counter and say Bush is not pure pro-life and they are correct. Having said that however do they really think it makes the two equal on this issue? Kerry represents such a retreat from the ground we have already gained that the idea of voting for him when we have a better choice on that issue alone should be enough for us. Bush at least shores up and may even defend our current position.

 

[Dream]

I agree with pretty much everything that he said. It was a good article.

I just think he could have been more specific on his 7 points; it could be too vague for some people and they may be confused as to what issue he is adressing.

 

[Epiphanygirl]

Bravo!!!! What a beautifully written statement!

 

[DrBubbaLove]

I agree with pretty much everything that he said. It was a good article.

I just think he could have been more specific on his 7 points; it could be too vague for some people and they may be confused as to what issue he is adressing.

My worry too! when reading such it looks like it could be taken either way and indeed we see some Catholics using the same statements by Bishops or Cardinals to support either candidate. When I first read the above I thought it was rather weak, then I re-read it.
Realized the problem is the bias already in a peson when reading such statements. If a Catholic is already inclined to vote for Kerry, such statements would not change thier minds and in some twisted way might even be used to justify their choice. For those upset at Kerry's positions on abortion, stem cells or same sex marriage, such statements are not strong enough.