Catholics can make a difference in 2010 elections

Catholics can make a difference in 2010 elections

Time and again, Catholic bishops say there is no such thing as a Catholic Vote. In fact, they do not even endorse candidates nor support politicians during elections. They have a limited sway over Catholic politicians and voters. However, Catholics are thankful that bishops do not renege in their obligation to assert firmly their moral authority on issues that are not in accord with the teachings of the Church and are not reflective of the Gospel values. Indeed, there are non-negotiable issues that bishops would not admit any exception because they run counter to Catholic moral teachings. The Reproductive Health Bill is a case in point.

If we Catholics take our faith seriously, we will make a difference in the 2010 elections. Our voting privileges should be used prudently and elect only candidates who promote policies and programs that are in harmony with Catholic faith and morals. Conversely, if we vote for candidates whose policies and programs are contrary to the ethos of the Church, we participate in and condone in the intrinsic evil of such.

It is important then for us Catholics to go through the political agenda of the candidates and find out if they go along with the moral principles of the Church. It is unbecoming of Catholics to vote on the basis of neither party-affiliation nor popularity of the candidates. We have to dissect the stands of the candidates on the different issues of the day. We should not be misled by the seemingly early campaign ads of the candidates who appear to hold the answers to the problems of our country. Let us not be misguided by the pronouncement of candidates that they are Catholics yet they advance programs which are un-Catholic.

My pious mother, Tersing, taught me early in life to bend my knees in prayer. It is my daily prayer this Christmas that we Catholics will choose candidates in the 2010 elections that promote the faith and morals of the Church.