Election 2020: What’s a Catholic to do?

Recently, after Mass, a parishioner asked me, “Father, when are we going to hear something from the pulpit about the election?” I answered spontaneously, “Probably never. We can’t tell people who to vote for.” “Oh, I know that,” she replied. “But something!”

I thought long and hard about that brief exchange. Of course, churches are forbidden by law as tax-exempt institutions to endorse a particular candidate, although some Christian churches always do openly and, it seems, with impunity.

Also, as American citizens, we respect our long-standing tradition of the separation of church and state. However, that concept is frequently misunderstood. The First Amendment injunction against the establishment of any state religion and the assurance of the free exercise of religion was not meant to safeguard the government from religion, but rather to protect citizens from the incursion of government into their practice of religion.

Catholic citizens certainly have the right to participate in the political forum and to bring their own ideas and values into the discussion. In fact, we are even obliged by the church to do so. This duty is rooted in our baptismal calling to bear witness to Christ in all we do.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches: “It is necessary that all participate, each according to his position and role, in promoting the common good…. As far as possible, citizens should take an active part in public life”(1913, 1915). Also, according to the teaching of the Second Vatican Council, “Laymen should… know that it is generally the function of their well-formed Christian conscience to see that the divine law is inscribed in the life of the earthly city”(Gaudium et Spes, 43). In other words, it is primarily the duty of the laity to see that God’s law is embedded in our governance. 

With all that background in mind, what can or should priests say to their parishioners about the up-coming presidential election?

First of all, the preamble to the Declaration of Independence states that all persons are “endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, (and) among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of happiness.” So the first right of a human being, created by God, is the right to life itself. Without it, it would be utterly useless to speak about any other rights.

In view of the election of 2020, the U.S. bishops clearly stated at their meeting last November that abortion is the “preeminent priority” to be considered. Some bishops took exception to the use of that term based on the teaching of Pope Francis. The pope said: “Our defense of the innocent unborn …needs to be clear, firm and passionate, for at stake is the dignity of a human life, which is always sacred. … Equally sacred, however, are the lives of the poor, those already born, the destitute, the abandoned, and the underprivileged, the vulnerable infirm and elderly exposed to covert euthanasia, the victims of human trafficking, new forms of slavery, and every form of rejection”(Gaudete et Exultate, 84). It does not seem, however, that the Pope thereby denies the preeminent priority of dealing with abortion. Rather he is simply stating that all lives which are threatened are sacred.

It would seem, therefore, that all other issues should be considered under this umbrella of the sacredness of life. Perhaps we might call them corollaries to the preeminent priority of support for human life in the womb and our recognition of the dignity of life in all its aspects.

So, for example, in the economic life of our nation, which candidate’s policies will better foster the growth of jobs and prosperity for all citizens so we might live in dignity and freedom from want?

In matters concerning response to the novel corona virus, are you content with the present efforts to contain and eradicate the disease? Are the current protocols in place (sanitizing, washing hands, social distancing, and wearing masks) sufficient for protecting the health of citizens? Are enough hospital beds, ventilators, personal protection equipment, and testing available? Are you satisfied with the speed and quality of research in developing therapeutics and a vaccine to treat and eradicate the disease? Are you satisfied to let the states decide what is the best course of action for re-opening or would you prefer a uniform national strategy?

In the area of race relations, which candidate is more likely to be factual and fair and, in the long run, reduce the temperature, strive to end racism, work toward ending extremism, and establish a solid groundwork for lasting harmony among all Americans?

In regard to the important matter of public safety, which candidate is more willing and able to establish justice and provide for domestic tranquility in our cities and states? Will defunding the police help or hinder the achievement of those goals?

Concerning immigration, which candidate will better maintain the security of our borders while providing for a fair, compassionate, and ordered system for entry into the United States? Whose policies will protect American citizens and foster the healthy growth of American society? Are you happy that Mexico is now partnering with the U.S. in maintaining security on our southern border? Or would you prefer open borders with fewer restrictions on the entrance of immigrants?

In the role of caring for the environment, which candidate will exercise better prudential judgment in preserving the quality of our land, air, and water while, at the same time, making proper use of the rich bounty God has bestowed upon our country? Are you happy that, for the first time in history, we are completely energy independent? Do you think our quality of life has noticeably and irreparably suffered to attain that goal?

In the area of international relations, which candidate is more adept at developing policies, negotiating, and maintaining peace in order to protect the security and interests of the American people and, at the same time, respects the rights of citizens of foreign nations? Are you happy that historic peace agreements between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and Israel and Bahrain have recently been brokered by the U.S., the first major breakthroughs in Arab-Israeli relations in over twenty-five years? And when was the last time we heard saber-rattling from North Korea, Iran, and ISIS?

Those are all critical life issues that affect the dignity of the human person and the quality of life in America. Which candidate has the physical stamina and the mental acuity to shoulder such a heavy burden? Are the policies of a more conservative or a more liberal candidate more likely to sustain and foster the growth of those ideals?

Of course, it is very hard not to let the candidates’ personalities enter into our selection of the best person. It is in our best interest, however, not to let style win out over substance and results. The welfare, progress, and future of our nation hang in the balance.

Now a brief word about the candidates for vice president. This is an especially important consideration this year since both presidential candidates are septuagenarians. Which one has the experience and the capability to assume the office of president at a moment’s notice? Which one would you trust to manage all the aforementioned issues that go straight to the heart of the quality of our American way of life?

Finally, it is important to consider the role of conscience in voting for a candidate. Every Catholic has a duty to form his or her conscience according to the teaching of the church, which reflects the mind of Christ. Conscience is not just an inclination or a feeling. It reveals the truth to us and compels us to do good and avoid evil. Referring to the teaching of the Second Vatican Council, the Catechism says, “Man has in his heart a law inscribed by God. … His conscience is his most secret core and his sanctuary. There he is alone with God whose voice echoes in his depths” (1776). Certainly, the role of conscience is pre-eminent in the selection of the best candidate for president.

So, ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten and guide your personal decision. Also, in the days leading up to the election, pray to Mary Immaculate, Patroness of the United States of America, to safeguard our great nation against every evil and to make her grow and prosper for the good of all.

Father Edward Kolla is parochial vicar at Christ the Good Shepherd Parish, Vineland.