Faith, politics and prudence
By Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS
Archbishop of San Antonio
Often, in this political year, I get phone calls and e-mails asking why I don’t come forward and tell people for
whom to vote. I understand that this request often comes from the heartfelt desire to do the right thing; make
the most moral choice. Making your voting decision for you does not respect your moral ability to make your
own choice and does not allow you the opportunity to form your own conscience properly, led by the Gospel
and the teaching of the church. Every election offers us all the opportunity to deepen our understanding of
the teachings of our faith as they apply to the real world issues that confront our society every day.
The document, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, reads, “We (Catholics) are called to bring together
our principles and our political choices, our values and our votes, to help build a better world.” 1 It also acts as
a reminder that, as Catholics we have both the right and the obligation to place our moral values, based on
solid Catholic teaching, above our allegiance to any political party. It encourages us to carry out our
responsibility to transform any party to which you may belong, and not allow that party to transform you. That
takes courage and strength.
Remember when St. Peter and the disciples were caught in a storm. As the winds tossed their fishing boat like
a toy, they saw Jesus walking on the water. St. Peter called out, “Lord if that is you, bid me come to you on the
water.” (Mt 14:28) He then steps out of the boat and walks on the water toward Jesus, until he felt the force
of the wind he became afraid and cried, “Lord save me!” We must not be afraid to do the right thing, have our
voice heard, even when it is an unpopular position in the storm of current political debate. However, we must not
take our eyes from the Lord, and allow the political winds cause us to lose faith, and watch our values be drowned
by strident and divisive voices. We must, especially at a political time, be people of principle, not politics. The
political system is one way we build a just society; our faith must be the platform upon which our trust in God is the
strength of every plank.
We must always be cautious to not allow the church, its agencies or institutions to be used by others who seek
political advantage. Even when it would seem that motives are pure, we can place the church in a
compromised position when it appears to be political, not principled.
I would like to share the policy and guidelines for churches and other IRS-designated section 501(c)(3)
organizations that have been promulgated and are in place in the Archdiocese of San Antonio and supported
by the Texas Catholic Conference and the United States.2
Do not endorse or oppose candidates, political parties, or groups of candidates, or take any action that
reasonably could be construed as endorsement or opposition.
Do not make available the use of church facilities, assets, or members for partisan political purposes.
Do not authorize distribution of partisan political materials or biased voter education materials (those that
support or oppose — or exhibit bias for or against — any candidate or party) on church property, in church
publications, or at church activities. Let me add here that “ONLY” Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship
has been endorsed for such distribution in parishes at this time.
Do not invite or permit only selected candidates to address your members. Before inviting candidates, make
sure such events are consistent with diocesan policy. If so, it is important that all candidates be invited.
If you have any doubt about any political activity, contact the archdiocese and we will provide you with proper
guidance.
On the positive side I offer these reminders:3
Address the moral and human dimensions of public issues.
Share church teaching on human life, human rights and justice and peace.
Apply Catholic values to legislation and public issues.
Conduct a non-partisan voter registration drive on church property.
Let us remember to keep our eyes on Jesus and not allow our faith to be shaken by political pressure. There is no
such thing as the “perfect” candidate; someone seeking political office whose positions align with ours on
each and every issue. It is our responsibility to sort through the positions and stances of those asking for our
vote and make a prudential judgment based on a well-formed conscience.
“Be not afraid” to protect the dignity of every human person, the value of every human life, working for the
common good and supporting those means by which we can build a culture of life and a just society. We do this by
forming our conscience to seek goodness in all circumstances and by developing the virtue of prudence that will
“allow us to choose the right means of achieving it.”4
1 Forming Consciences and Faithful Citizenship
2 Do’s and Don’ts Guidelines during the Election Season (USCCB)
3 Do’s and Don’ts Guidelines during the Election Season (USCCB)
4 Catholic Catechism of the Catholic Church