Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship

My brothers and sisters in Christ, in this edition of our Pastor's Bench I write on a difficult subject. I have asked the Holy Spirit to guide me and give me wisdom as I address this topic.  Priests and pastors are often told that they should not become involved in politics. This is for a couple of reasons. One of them certainly is that we need to be able to pastor to the whole congregation. If a pastor frequently expresses political views, he is certain to push away those members of the congregation who do not share his views.  They, in turn, will move to a community more congenial to their beliefs. The other reason is the idea that there needs to be a clear separation between Church and State.  It is believed that the pastor who becomes involved in politics breaches that separation. Recently, the U.S. bishops reaffirmed their 2007 document, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship. This document may be found at:  

www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithful-citizenship

Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship offers a wide range of web-based and written materials and tools to assist pastors, parishes, Catholic organizations and individuals to reflect on the topic of political responsibility. As pastor of this community, I invite each of you to read it slowly and carefully. More than ever, America needs Catholics who have strong and well-formed opinions on political and moral issues.  As Catholics, we must know where we stand and what we want for our society and future generations. Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, the Church’s teaching on political responsibility, human life, human rights, and justice and peace need to be shared more widely and effectively. While it is true that we must follow the command of the Lord "give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s", we have a  serious obligation to bear witness to our faith.  Never be ashamed to be Catholic and to follow the teachings of our mother, the Church. We must always strive to be better christians and better citizens of this country that has received God's many blessings. May the Blessed Virgin, patroness and Queen of the United States help us in this important task to which all priests and laity, are called ■ Fr. Agustín, Pastor.