Statement by Bishop P. Francis Murphy
July 15, 1996
Washington, DC
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- Americans are today witnessing a dangerous deterioration of the
character and quality of American civic life. With each new political
season, attempts at constructive dialogue are marred by divisive
rhetoric and certain tactics that seem to manipulate and spread
intolerance for the beliefs and values of other people. Instead of a
much-needed conversation about our common life together and how to
better it, we instead hear distorted accusations against families on
welfare, the scapegoating of immigrants and foreigners, and the
deliberate demonization of those who hold points of view different from
the other. Such poisonous talk and destructive behavior have
contributed to an unhealthy environment in which it is increasingly
difficult for people of good will to engage in an open, fair and honest
exchange of ideas.
| We need to
look for and
be open to
common
threads of
truth,
regardless of
who speaks
them.
|
| You and I are privileged to live in this country where freedom of speech
and respect for diverse religious traditions are a strength, one of our
greatest strengths. This diversity, in fact, has given us a rich tradition
of biblical insight and ethical reflection on the incomprehensible
mystery of God and the appropriate human posture before that
mystery. As we struggle together to define the moral dimensions of
public policy issues, we need to look for and be open to common
threads of truth, regardless of who speaks them. Any narrowness of
view and sense of intolerance divides us rather than unites us as a
people. | Powerful
organizations
are
manipulating
religion for
political
purposes.
|
| Particularly disturbing to people of faith is the way in which religion has
been used and abused in our common search for an ever more just and
humane system of governance. Powerful organizations are manipulating
religion for political purposes and claiming to speak for all people of
faith when promoting their own partisan agendas. In the name of
religion, these groups have distorted those with whom they disagree.
This irresponsible and divisive use of religious language violates the
values of civility and mutual respect which undergird our democratic
system. The continuation of such misuse threatens to tear asunder our
shared social fabric and, indeed, undermine the integrity of religious
faith itself. | ". . . every
proposal,
policy or
political
platform
should be
measured by
how it
touches the
human
person."
|
- Any manipulation of religion runs counter to the best impulses of our
various faith traditions. That is why many of us are speaking out. As
my fellow bishops and I said in our recent statement on political
responsibility, "Too often the voices that set the agenda of public life
are not those seek the common good, but those who seek to divide us . .
. American political life must refocus on the search for the common
good over the pursuit of partisan advantage, private gain or special
interest agendas." More specifically, we insisted that ". . . every
proposal, policy or political platform should be measured by how it
touches the human person; whether it enhances or diminishes human
life, human dignity, and human rights; and how it advances the common
good."*
-
| We are
committed to
listening to
others and
searching for
truth even
from those
with whom
we may
disagree.
|
| Rejecting the politics of division. Restoring civility to our public
discourse. Championing human dignity and human rights. Advancing
the common good. These are the goals the Catholic community has set
for itself during this political season. But these are also the tasks of all
faith communities as they live out their calling to be positive and
healing forces in American life. I really do believe that by working
together we can better achieve these goals. That is why I have joined
with the leaders from diverse communities of faith in a non-partisan,
grassroots organization call The Interfaith Alliance. Together we are
promoting the positive role of religion in public life by working for our
shared vision of a better America - an America that defends freedom,
strengthens families and extends greater opportunities to all its
citizens. | The basis for
any progress
is respect.
|
| As an interfaith group, we ourselves have had to learn how to respect
one another in areas of serious disagreement. From this experience, we
are committed to listening to others and searching for truth even from
those with whom we may disagree. Our hope as The Interfaith Alliance
is to build coalitions among people of divergent views, but with people
who are also committed to listening and learning. The basis for any
progress, it seems to me, is respect. . . the ability to disagree on issues
- some of them, perhaps, very foundational - without destroying the
other as a person. It is both an art and a learned skill, a skill which I
believe we can hold one another accountable for in this day and age, in
this important political task we face as a voting public. | Community.
Cooperation.
Civility.
Compassion.
|
- Community. Cooperation. Civility. Compassion. These four "C's" form core values of
religion at its best. These are traditional values of mainstream America. These are the
values of those of us of the diverse faiths who belong to The Interfaith Alliance. I invite
you to join with us, to continue to work together to promote these shared values. The
future of a better America depends on it.
-
*Political Responsibility: Proclaiming the Gospel of Life, Protecting the Least Among Us, and
Pursuing the Common Good, Statement issued by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops,
Washington, DC 1996.
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