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| Canadian Charter of Rights | | | 2005-07-01 | | Resource: Canadian Charter of Rights ... | | The Church and Politics | | | 2004-09-01 | | The Church?s mission is religious, not political, economic or social.1 However, her religious mission is not limited to spreading the gospel, but includes the renewal and improvement of the whole world.2 The religious mission of the Church motivates political activity, providing "the source of commitment, direction, and vigour to establish and consolidate the community of men according to the law of God."3This does not bring something foreign to political life. Non-religious people are motivated by various non-religious beliefs, such as a belief in the dignity of man, the role of religion in society, and the purpose and limits of law. These people act on their beliefs when they become involved in politics. They attempt to maintain or reform existing institutions to reflect their beliefs about how to structure society and the state to serve the common good. Religious believers do exactly the same thing, though they draw their motivation and ideas from different sources.To forb... | | The Laity and Political Affairs | | | 2004-09-15 | | The lay faithful 1 are fully members of the Church and citizens of this country. We are citizens by birth or naturalization, and Christians by rebirth through baptism. Our citizenship brings with it ties to the larger community and the obligation to contribute to its progress and the solution of its problems,2 while through Baptism and Confirmation we are appointed by the Lord to share in the mission of the Church.3 This mission is both secular and spiritual, reflecting the distinctive natures of citizenship and Christianity.4The principal duty of the laity is to reveal Christ to others,5 helping one another to greater holiness of life even in our secular activities, so that the world may be filled with His spirit.6 While clergy and religious share this obligation, secular duties and activities belong properly (though not exclusively) to the laity.7 Our special vocation is to bloom where we are planted "in the midst of the world and of secular affairs"8 so that the Gospel can... | | The Clergy and Politics | | | 2004-08-09 | | Considering clergy 1 in general, political activity is not their responsibility, but that of the laity.2 Consistent with this, Canon Law not only commands clergy to acknowledge and promote the mission of the laity in the world,3 but forbids clergy to assume public office.4 Granted: clerics may, with the permission of their superiors, play an active role in political parties or trade unions in order to defend the rights of the Church or to promote the common good.5 However, this kind of activity is clearly exceptional, justified only when the laity is unable to act effectively without direct clerical assistance. Such circumstances have existed and continue to exist from time to time in different places, but they do not now exist in Canada. Bishops 6 do not exceed their authority or competence simply by commenting upon political issues. Faith and morals are a bishop?s proper and primary concern. But marriage, divorce, pornography, abortion and euthanasia are all moral issues which are th... |
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