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Church & State ( Sun Feb 8, 2004 5:10 pm )
"The Church and the political community in their own fields are
autonomous and independent from each other. Yet both, under
different titles, are devoted to the personal and social vocation
of the same individuals." (Gaudium et Spes)
http://www.arcc-catholic-rights.net/gaudium_et_spes.htm
Under this instruction Catholic politicians have been able to
serve the common good successfully by following the dictates of
their conscience in matters of state. It empowered them to
make decisions on laws regulating such issues as the
death penalty, just war, birth control, and social justice in
light of the plural interpretations of the citizenry who elected
them as well as the church's official position which is one
aspect they take into account.
In November 2002 the Congregation of the Faith published the
following: No Catholic "can appeal to the principle of pluralism
or to the autonomy of lay involvement in political life to
support policies affecting the common good which compromise or
undermine fundamental ethical requirements."
Using this opinion expressed by the Congregation of the Faith,
some bishops, ignoring Gaudium et Spes, are attempting
to force politicians to impose Catholic teachings on civil
society. They publicly imply that Catholic politicians whose vote
in legal matters does not reflect the official church position are
risking their eternal salvation.
ARCC deplores this subtle attempt to undermine the separation
of church and state. How would we respond if Muslim legislators
were pressured to make public swimming pools illegal? In a
pluralistic society no single religion can be allowed to exercise
control over society as a whole.
We cite Gaudium et Spes as evidence that at the time of the
Second Vatican Council church authorities themselves
realized that this kind of interference was morally doubtful and
potentially harmful. Current Vatican directives that disregard
the principle of subsidiarity and refuse to acknowledge duly
elected and responsible community leadership violate the principles
of Gaudium et Spes. In addition, threat and intimidation are the
last resort of an authority desperate to enforce unjust rules.
We urge you not only to send letters of protest to the bishops
who are guilty of such pressure tactics, but also to send letters of
support to the Catholic politicians who are resisting this intimidation.
Would you also share a copy of your letter with us, and tell us whether
you are willing for us to share it with other ARCC members?
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