Political Loyalty Begins At Home

y Raymond L. Flynn
National President Your Catholic Voice
Ambassador to the Vatican (1993-1997)
Mayor of Boston (1984-1993)

A question I have often been asked is, "Can you be a good Catholic and a Democrat in light of the Democratic Party's positions on life and family?" But another question might also be, "Can you be a good Catholic and a Republican in light of the Church's moral positions on social and economic justice and the death penalty?" My response to both of these questions is a question of my own.

Can you be a good Catholic and support either a Democratic or Republican candidate who opposes Church teachings on each of these vitally important principles of our Catholic faith? Both parties reach out to Catholic voters claiming that they best represent their values on the issues. So what's the answer? The following statement may upset leaders of both political parties, who believe it is they who deserve the support of Catholic voices. Which party should faithful Catholics vote for? I say neither party reflects the values and principles of the Catholic faith and I'll explain why.

I've personally heard Pope John Paul II courageously and consistently defend the right to life of all people, including the unborn and the frail elderly. I've heard him defend the institution of marriage and define it as a union between one man and one woman. I've also heard him speak eloquently against the death penalty and passionately for social and economic justice and human rights. Just this week, the pope once again repeated his central message to the people of Slovakia when he called for, "A society respectful of human life in all its expressions that promotes the family as a place of reciprocal love and growth of persons, that seeks the common good, and is attentive to the needs of the weakest." When he defends the poor, needy, and immigrants, conservatives say he is old and uninformed. And when he speaks out against abortion and homosexual unions, liberals say he's out of touch, sexist, or homophobic.

So what's the answer? Who is right? Which party should faithful Catholics support?

The right answer is, faithful Catholics should be loyal to their Catholic faith. The Church is neither liberal nor conservative, Democratic nor Republican. When I publicly supported George W. Bush for U.S. President in 2000 I said, "It was more important for me to be a good American and a good Catholic, than a good Democrat." Many others like me will have to make another important moral and political decision in November of 2004. The decisions we make and the votes we cast could be the most important "swing vote" that determines the electoral outcome. My strong advice is, don't let either party take your vote for granted or ignore you. This has been going on too long. Be actively involved in your parish and in the political affairs of your community. Promise yourself that you will not only try to become a more informed and active citizen, but a more faithful and active Catholic.

The clergy sex-abuse scandal in Boston has taught me an important, but sad lesson, and that is the Catholic Church has plenty of enemies. What the Church desperately needs now, however, are some good and loyal friends, not fair weather cafeteria Catholics who jumped ship when things got tough. Begin today and let your voices be heard. Call the White House and your state house and let them know how you feel, and ask them to respond to your concerns. 2004 isn't just a political election about which party wins the U.S. presidency. More importantly, for us, it's about who will treat faithful Catholics and our Church with dignity and respect once again. Remember, political loyalty is a two way street, but it must begin at home.

___________________________

Raymond L. Flynn is National President of Your Catholic Voice. He served as U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican from 1993 to 1997, and Mayor of Boston from 1984 to 1993. For additional information, contact (661) 869-1000

Your Catholic Voice is a movement to promote faithful citizenship based on the fundamental truths of the Catholic Church relating to Life, Family, Freedom and Solidarity. For information go to Your Catholic Voice http://www.yourcatholicvoice.org

Contact

Your Catholic Voice
http://www.yourcatholicvoice.org CA, US
Ambassador
Raymond L. Flynn - President, 661 869-1000

Email

info@yourcatholicvoice.org

Keywords

Politics, Catholic, Democrat, Moral

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