Moral convictions should shape political engagement

Feb. 21, 2008

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Recently I met with the other Iowa bishops in Des Moines for our annual Legislative Breakfast. It is always a welcome visit. I especially appreciate the opportunity to meet our state legislators who serve the people of our diocese.

Each year we also have a special Mass for those who are involved in governmental service at Des Moines' beautiful Cathedral of Saint Ambrose. This year it was my privilege to be the main celebrant and homilist at this Mass. I would like to share with you part of my homily:

"As Bishop of the Diocese of Sioux City, it is my privilege and honor to be with you today in the Cathedral of St. Ambrose. Msgr. Stephen Orr, Administrator Diocese of Des Moines and my brother bishops of Iowa , Archbishop Jerome Hanus, of Dubuque and Bishop Martin Amos, of Davenport, and of course, your favorite Bishop, Joseph Charon thank you for being here as we gather in prayer, at this Mass, during the holy season of Lent. This annual Mass, coinciding with the legislative Breakfast sponsored by the Iowa Catholic Conference gives us an opportunity to thank you for your commitment to public service and to encourage you to keep up the good work you do to protect and support the dignity of human life here in our beloved state.

Your public service is of crucial importance as we try, each in our own way to insure that the values and moral teachings of Jesus Christ make a difference in our world. I hope that many of you are familiar with a wonderful document called "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship." It is subtitled "A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States. One of the questions posed in this document is the following: "Who in the Church should participate in Political Life? Here is part of the response: "In the Catholic tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation. This obligation is rooted in our baptismal commitment to follow Jesus Christ and to bear Christian witness in all we do. It is necessary that all participate, each according to his position and role, in promoting the common good. This obligation is in inherent in the dignity of the human person... as far as possible citizens should take an active part in public life." (CCC)

This document reminds us that the Church calls for political engagement "shaped by the moral convictions of well formed consciences and focused on the dignity of every human being, the pursuit of the common good, and the protection of the weak and vulnerable. The Church has always believed that public service is a worthy vocation.

Clergy and lay people have complementary roles in public life. Bishops have the primary responsibility to hand on the Church's moral and social teaching. Priests, deacons, religious and lay leaders of the Church help the bishops in this role. Our role is to teach and help form consciences, provide guidance and to encourage the faithful to carry out their responsibility in political life.

Pope Benedict said: "The direct duty to work for a just ordering of society is proper to the lay faithful". Thank you legislators for the vocation you have accepted as lay faithful. You play a role that is of utmost very important in the life of the Church and the society in which we live.

An example of our role to teach and help form consciences is focused in the Statement on Immigration Reform. This has the endorsement of all four dioceses of Iowa. Please take a moment to read and reflect upon it. It is printed here next to my letter. It is our attempt to help all the faithful, especially our legislators, understand the teaching of the Church.

My brothers and sisters, living our Catholic faith always has consequences in the society in which we live. Let us not be afraid to live our faith, to support what the Church teaches and to help build up the Kingdom of God, which we know is the only thing that will last forever.

Thank you for reading this. May God give you peace.

Your brother in Christ,

Most Reverend R. Walker Nickless
Bishop of Sioux City