Building Faithful Citizenship

Building Faithful Citizenship is a brief, weekly bulletin reflection on the U.S. Catholic Bishops' Document, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship.

For Sunday Bulletins on October 19

Today's Gospel reading can be confusing. Does it justify a Christian's participation in unjust governments (simply "rendering onto Caesar"), or does it call for a strict separation between Godly things and worldly powers? In truth, our lives as citizens are interwoven with our call to be faithful followers of Jesus.

In Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, the U.S. Catholic Bishops describe the role of the Church in political life:

"...The obligation to teach about moral values that should shape our lives, including our public lives, is central to the mission given to the Church by Christ. Moreover, the United States Constitution protects the right of individual believers and religious bodies to participate and speak out without government interference, favoritism, or discrimination.... Our nation's tradition of pluralism is enhanced, not threatened, when religious groups and people of faith bring their convictions and concerns into public life."

Reflection: How are your politics shaped by your religious beliefs?