Catholics cannot afford political neutrality, says K of C leader

June 26, 2012

Finding a “paradigm shift” in American attitudes toward the public role of religious faith, the head of the Knights of Columbus has argued that Catholic can make a crucial contribution to restoring a proper understanding of healthy political life.

Supreme Knight Carl Anderson, speaking to the Catholic Media Conference in Indianapolis, said that the Obama administration is engaged in “an attempt to redefine the role of religion in American society,” minimizing the importance of faith. For Catholics, he said, that effort is a critical challenge. “Catholics can no longer accept politics as usual,” he said.

Anderson argued that Catholic social teaching fits comfortably into the American political tradition, and can win the support of the American public. Lay Catholics must become involved in a broader effort to promote the Church’s social teaching, he said.

To date, Anderson observed, the distinctively Catholic contribution to American political life has not been realized because of the influence of prominent Catholic politicians who dissent from Church teachings on issues involving the culture of life.

 

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Further information:

• Knights of Columbus leader: 'Catholics can no longer accept politics as usual' (National Catholic Reporter)
• Supreme Knight says HHS mandate has re-shaped country's political landscape (CNA)