There have lately been some very odd statements made regarding the propriety of bishops' statements on our responsibilities as citizens. Some have claimed that our bishops have no right to make public statements on political issues.
Think of it. Because a man is a priest or bishop, his free speech rights are sacrificed?
Nonsense.
I am not saying that a priest or bishop may not be constrained by the Church existing under the the rules for a 501(c)3 organization. That is a separate consideration.
What then, can a bishop or priest say to us with respect to any election? First, he may teach us what Church doctrine tells us is our moral responsibility. He can to that without naming any candidate.
What I believe he must do is to teach us from the Catechism of the Catholic Church on our responsibilities as citizens. If you have not read it, I cannot recommend strongly enough that you do. At the very least, begin with article 2234 and read through to the end of 2283. You will find essential information on citizenship in general, and on a number of specific issues, including immigration, abortion, and euthanasia.
We are not Catholic if we live only part of the faith. We are bound to all that the Church teaches. If we do not study the teachings, we cannot live them.
Hi, and welcome to the Catholic blog directory. I'd like to invite you to join us for Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival which is a weekly gathering where Catholic bloggers share posts with each other. This week's host post is at http://rannthisthat.blogspot.com/2012/06/sunday-snippets-catholic-carnival_09.html
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