It’s sometimes difficult to be both a committed Republican or Democrat and a committed Catholic. In the United States, neither party’s priorities reflect the full range of Catholic social teaching, and at the same time, political parties are powerful tools for organizing citizens around particular priorities and mobilizing the country’s resources in service of the common good. As faithful citizens, U.S. Catholics must make difficult choices when participating in public life.
How does partisanship affect the way we live as faithful citizens? How much should we be willing to compromise? How much can we rely on political parties to prioritize issues that reflect the values found in the Gospels, such as respect for life, a priority for the poor, welcome for immigrants, and care for creation, among others? What does political discernment look like in our current context? When does partisanship demand too much?
This timely Salt and Light and Latino Leaders gathering explored how partisan commitments and Catholic values can co-exist or conflict for voters, advocates, political staffers, or others engaged in the political process.
Christian Soenen, projects manager of the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life, moderated the dialogue.
This gathering had three parts:
6:00 - 7:00 p.m. | Welcoming Happy Hour
Meet and network with other young leaders over food and drink
7:00 - 8:00 p.m. | Dialogue
A conversation on “Is Partisanship a Threat to Faithful Citizenship or a Way to Live it Out?”
8:00 - 9:00 p.m. | Reception
Continue the conversation with other young leaders over food and drink
This Salt and Light and Latino Leader Gathering was for young adult Catholics to come together to explore links between faith, Catholic social thought, and their lives and work, especially on public policy.
