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 Ten Challenges for Catholic Leaders In the Aftermath of the Presidential Election 1. Divisions exist within our Church that are deep and that jeopardize our ability to build community at the parish level and to be communities of salt and light to the larger society. (There is a great deal of alienation that needs to be addressed). 2. A creeping fundamentalism within the church provides space for some to demonize others (i.e. the notion that you can’t be a good Catholic and vote for John Kerry). 3. Outside organizations with significant resources are extremely well organized and energized. They are well situated to serve partisan purposes. They can and will exploit the divisions within the Church. 4. The independent statements of a few bishops has had a negative impact on the unity and teaching authority of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. 5. Reflection and dialogue are required about how our faith should influence our politics. 6. Teaching on the consistent ethic of life needs to be strengthened not diluted. (Too much of the Presidential campaign was reduced to jingles and slogans). 7. More than ever there is a need for clarity in our teaching and messaging. 8. Greater emphasis needs to be placed upon the proper formation of one’s conscience. 9. Catholics are more than ever politically homeless. There is much work to be done among the laity to reform our political system. 10. A great challenge of our Church is to penetrate a national media that seems solely focused on the Church’s position on sexual and family matters while ignoring Church teaching on war and peace, social justice and human rights. Where Do We Go From Here: Recommendations for Action · Redouble our efforts at educating our parishioners and students on Catholic Social Teaching and the demands of the Gospel. · Offer opportunities for clergy education on “Catholic Faith, Political Responsibility, and the Common Good” · Engage Catholic Public Officials in dialogue about their unique vocation as a politician · Provide greater attention to educating our lay people about developing a well-formed Christian conscience · Develop national and diocesan strategies about changing the manner in which the media views Church teaching and our positions on public policy · Create opportunities in our parishes for respectful dialogue among parishioners with diverse perspectives on how faith should inform one’s politics Prepared by: Tom Allio, Senior Director
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Last Updated: 01/24/05
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