Legislative

Catholics should not be afraid to embrace their identity
or to put their faith into practice in public life
—Thomas J. Olmsted, Bishop of Phoenix

Although the United States prides itself on a separation of Church and State in the public arena, Catholics have a unique role to play in the public sector. At times, Catholics are elected or appointed to prominent positions in the legislature or the judicial branch, as is evident in our current Supreme Court. Others are part of the legislative process inasmuch as they have a vote and use that vote wisely.

As Catholics, we are called to be involved in public life because it is the means of promoting a just and stable society. Catholics should not only be informed about the demands of their faith in the public square, but they should be educated and seek to educate others about the demands of putting their faith into practice. We are told in the Letter of James: “Faith without works is dead.” One simple way that Catholics show their faith is alive is through participation in the public square, informing the political discussion with Catholic principles in the hope of forming a more just and stable society.

To see what is being done in Arizona by Catholics in the public square, visit the Arizona Catholic Conference website.