Religious Politics
Sunday, November 21, 1999
I agree with both sides of the argument as to whether religious leaders should comment publicly on issues of social justice.
They should preach good goals, but not pretend to have special insight as to the means for achieving those goals. That is the meat of politics. Roughly half of their flock will often disagree with the other half regarding the how-to of good causes.
Yes, I would like to hear more from religious leaders, to boldly point the finger at shameful states of affairs such as children living on the street, to preach virtues such as justice, mercy, kindness, forgiveness and service – and to condemn selfishness, prejudice, revenge and greed (whether occasional or systematic).
But I cringe with embarrassment when I hear religious dignitaries mouthing party political propaganda verbatim, virtually telling us who to vote for. They preach on economic and social justice remedies they know less about than many of their flock. It is hard to remain seated in the pew during this amateur politicking.
Their job is to win hearts, to inspire us to want to do good, not to prescribe policies, not to patronise us by telling us how to do our economic housework.
An individual who is a religious professional has the same right as any citizen to a vote and an opinion as to which political party will best serve social needs, but they should not “wear the cloth” when expressing such opinions.
Philip O'Carroll