Catholics support
democracy because they believe it's
a system that gives ordinary people
the chance to get involved and have
their say about decisions made in their
lives. The Catholic Church does not
align itself to any single political
party however, and each individual
Catholic is free to use their vote
as their conscience dictates.
Democracy is based on freedom of speech and equality and
justice. These values are absolutely compatible with the
Catholic faith and as a result Catholics are encouraged to
keep informed about what is going on in the political arena,
so that they use their vote wisely.
"The church respects
and encourages the political freedom and responsibility
of the citizen." Catechism of the Catholic Church 2245
Jesus Christ has been described as a social revolutionary.
Many of his teachings upset the status quo, like saying that
slaves and citizens of Rome, were equal in the eyes of God.
Some of Jesus' teachings must have really challenged those
people who were in positions of authority at the time. (In
fact, his teachings continue to challenge today).
Likewise in our lives, it's important for all of us to
have an opportunity to speak out and be heard if we feel
we have a point to make, even if what we say is challenging.
This is a website of the Catholic Enquiry Office; part of an Agency of the Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales.
Although the Church does not get involved in politics
per se, it does speak out on human rights issues. Most
recently, the Catholic Church has vocalised its opposition
to legalised abortion and euthanasia. We believe that
no person has the right to end life.
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