Santiago, Chile, Aug 26, 2009 / 19:31 pm
Bishop Alejandro Goic of Rancagua, Chile has called on Catholics in that country not to ignore political life, which when embraced correctly and in a spirit of service, “is a form of apostolate.”
During a diocesan forum on the “Political Vocation of the Believer,” Bishop Goic said that all of the laity must in some way participate in the building of society.
“The degree of participation is distinct depending on one’s vocation. Some will do so by voting, others by activism or leadership in some party, others by assuming public office at various levels. What nobody should do is ignore public life,” he said.
The bishop stressed that the tendency to denigrate political activity should be rejected, while also emphasizing that young people especially should participate in elections. He also said greater effort needs to be given to teaching people about civics and political life, so that every person would fulfill their mission in the community.
No political party, he added, can claim to represent everyone, and the Church “cannot tell anyone which party to work for and much less which party to vote for.”
Those in religious life must speak out to shed light on the common good, on public and political morality.