By Angeline Lesslar

There seems to be confusion among Catholics as to whether Church and Politics do mix and if so to what extend. Many are of the opinion that the role of the Church is solely to focus on our spiritual wellbeing oblivious to what is affecting us physically or psychologically.

Politics, according to the dictionary, is the art and science of government in pursuit of the common good.

Politics therefore inevitably affects every fibre of the fabric of society, be it economic, social, religious or cultural. Politics orchestrates every aspect of the life of a society. If this is so, every citizen should at least take an interest, or better still, play an active role, in politics! Silence is consent given to the existing political system. It is a political stand. Thus, involvement in politics is inevitable. This is in line with the social teachings of the Church.

A Christian is expected to bring about the Kingdom of God where truth, justice, peace, love and the Gospel values prevail for all, regardless of colour or creed. This mission is impossible if Christians are indifferent to the state of the welfare of citizens of the country they belong.

Jesus’ moral and spiritual teachings affected the social, economic and political life of the people of his time. Very often Jesus condemned the Jewish leaders for their wrongdoings. These affected the Scribes, Pharisees and Sadducees. The merry-go-round between Pilate, Caiaphas and Herod during Jesus trial was politically motivated to protect their power. It was for both political and religious reasons that Jesus was put to death.

The Catholic Church is convinced she must be true to the totality of Jesus’ teachings. Not only must the Church be concerned over the spiritual wellbeing of its parishioners in preparation for the afterworld but also every aspect of life that touches on the wholesomeness of human beings in this world.

”The Church cannot remove herself from temporal affairs, because the temporal is the activity of men, and all that concerns men concerns the Church.” (Pope Paul VI 1967)

Within this framework therefore, and with the stance of the Church, especially after Vatican 2, it is the responsibility of Christian leaders and lay people to fight against injustice and oppression, the arbitrary rule of one man or party, and lack of tolerance.

We must stand up for the poor and oppressed, as Jesus did. We must uphold justice for all and speak up against corruption. Christianity must take a stand on moral issues as the gospel values are moral spiritual values. If we fail to do so, Christianity will lose its relevance in the world today and one day be obsolete.

To be true to what is expected of us is not easy as there are risks involved. It could lead to trouble with the ruling authorities or death, as in El Salvador and Latin America. Religious and lay people were martyred for upholding and living the Gospel values. A true Christian is not merely professing the beliefs of Christianity. A true Christian lives his faith and willingly accepts its consequences, which could mean death.

Collectively, we are obliged to build a society where there is progress, truth, justice, love and peace as well as fighting against any evil that will undermine these values. Only then will we make Jesus relevant today in Malaysia.

This article was first posted in the Herald on June 26.

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