On Politics

COMPENDIUM

Catholics are free to take part in politics, i.e. matters relating to the system of government and the administration of what concerns the public welfare. Moreover, it is their duty to interest themselves in the affairs of the community, because (1) every individual is a social being with social obligations and duties to fellow citizens and to the State, and (2) adults have the responsibility of the vote, which must be exercised according to an enlightened conscience. Hence, every adult must interest himself in the affairs of his country, both in its internal government and in its external relations with other States.

A Catholic may be a member of a political party, provided the party does not definitely take its stand on non-Christian principles. The party must not have a non-Christian basis or constitution. This is a necessary condition. Furthermore, a Catholic may only give support and allegiance to his party in so far as its proposals are in keeping with Christian principles. To a party which has a program which is only partly in accord with Christian principles, the Catholic may only give his allegiance with certain limitations. Parties are often influenced by outside affiliations and agencies that affect and may even dictate its policy, sometimes in defiance of Natural and Divine Law. A Catholic must exercise the right to differ from, and even oppose, his party when it advocates measures that violate the Natural and Divine Law. On questions of morality, the Catholic must take his guidance, not from a political party, but from the teaching of the Church, divinely instituted for this purpose, and infallible. In the event of conflict between the Catholic's conscience and the demands of his political party, he must obey his Catholic conscience and withstand the demands of his party. "We must obey God rather than men." (Acts 5:29)

No Catholic can be a Socialist or Communist, in the true sense of the term, without ceasing to be a Catholic. A Socialist or Communist is one who identifies himself with the Socialist creed and principles regarding man's nature, origin, and destiny, and the functions of the family and the State. As Pope Pius XI writes: "No one can be at the same time a good Catholic and a true Socialist." (Quadragesimo Anno, §120) The basic principles of Socialism and Communism are condemned by the Church. No Catholic can accept them and remain a Catholic.

The Church condemns Communism and Socialism, not merely because it denies private property and urges class war, but also because of its teaching in theory and practice regarding God, religion, morality, Marriage, education, and many other truths.

• In theory, Communism holds that there is no God. In practice, Communism dictates that "the masses of the world must be provided with every kind of Atheist propaganda." (Lenin, 1922) The Communist Zinoviev writes: "We will grapple with God, we will conquer Him in the highest heaven; and wherever He seeks refuge, we will subdue Him forever."
• In theory, Communism holds that all religion is false - the "opium of the people." In practice, Communism dictates that "we must declare war on all forms of religion." (Pravda, 1928)
• In theory, Communism holds that there is no moral law, and no fixed standard of morality. In practice, Communism dictates that "morality consists entirely in class war." (Lenin) The Communist Lounatcharsky writes: "The school must explain the falsehood of morality."
• In theory, Communism holds that Marriage is not a stable, legalized union of man and woman. In practice, Communism dictates that "divorce is easy at any moment at the will of either party ... the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children is abolished." (Soviet Marriage Code)
• In theory, Communism holds that parents have no right to educate their children, and that this right belongs to the State. In practice, Communism dictates that "the teaching of religion in either public or private schools is prohibited under penalty of penal servitude." (Soviet Code, Clause 121). "We must remove children from the baneful influence of the family." (Madame Lelina, Director of Education in Leningrad)

CATECHISM

235. Are Catholic free to take part in politics?

Yes. Catholics are free to take part in politics. Moreover, it is their duty to interest themselves in the affairs of the community.

236. May a Catholic be a member of a political party?

A Catholic may be a member of a political party, provided the party does not definitely take its stand on non-Christian principles.

237. May a Catholic give his support and allegiance to his party in its entire program?

No. A Catholic may only give support and allegiance to his party in so far as its proposals are in keeping with Christian principles.

238. May a Catholic be a Socialist or a Communist?

No Catholic can be a Socialist or Communist, in the true sense of the term, without ceasing to be a Catholic.

239. Does the Church condemn Communism and Socialism solely because it denies the right to private property and preaches class war?

No. The Church condemns Communism and Socialism, not merely because it denies private property and urges class war, but also because of its teaching in theory and practice regarding God, religion, morality, Marriage, education, and many other truths.