The
Catechism of the Catholic Church has a fair amount to say about this interplay of faith and civic rights and responsibilities in its chapters titled "
The Human Community" (paragraphs 1877-1889) and "
You Shall Love Your Neighbor as Yourself" and "
The Fourth Commandment" (2196-2246). These titles should give an indication on the delicate interplay between each of us as fellow citizens.
Humans do not exist as isolated individuals but as members of groups such as families and political communities.
"Charity begins as home" and so our obligation to love our neighbor begins with the other members of our particular communities. At the same time, the Church reminds those in authority of their duty to respect, recognize the need and coordinate the contributions of each individual in and of themselves and towards the common good. This can only be possible when civil rights and liberties are upheld to the greatest and most balanced extent possible.
Citizens should contribute to the well-being of society by responsibly carrying out their roles in the family, profession and avocations. They should also support and participate in public life and political activity to the extent permitted by their interest and abilities as well as the requirements of the society in which they live. Not just abiding with its laws, there is also a need for active participation, working together with authorities and other members to foster the common good.
Members of a society have the duty to respect the legitimate political authority and to obey its directive in all ways that pertain to the common good. Not just passive subjects, they are called to form and follow their consciences, speaking out when civil authority oversteps its limits or enacts policies that seem contrary to the community's well-being. Most especially, if authority betrays its mission and commands acts opposed to natural or divine law, citizens are morally bound to oppose and refuse obedience to such directives. However, it is crucial to always keep in mind that, when in those hopefully rare situations in which "we must obey God rather than men" (
Acts 5:29) the teachings of Jesus are observed. When "civil disobedience" is required, it should be exercised with great prudence and, in all but the most extreme situations, without violence - might
does not make right.
Bringing up members of society using careful, balanced civic education, one which both incorporates Christian values and respects the best elements of non-Christian teachings, can foster true patriotism: a heartfelt but moderated attachment and gratitude to one's country. As sharers in a common human nature, as those created in in the image and likeness of God, we are called to be more than just citizens of an earthly republic - we are citizens of a universal community. Our patriotism and care for justice must both respect and place in proper perspective national borders; our "neighbor" is our fellow human being in material or spiritual need. And, as
St. Augustine wrote, our civic participation in this world finds its ultimate meaning in our calling to be first and foremost citizens of the
City of God.