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Patriotism
Resolution on Patriotism adopted by the 127th Supreme Convention on Aug. 6, 2009.
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WHEREAS, faithful citizenship and love of country have always been among the fundamental values of the Knights of Columbus, and were formalized in 1900 with the establishment of the Patriotic Degree; and
WHEREAS, Pope John Paul II distinguished between nationalism and patriotism in his book Memory and Identity, declaring, “Whereas nationalism involves recognizing and pursuing the good of one’s own nation alone, without regard for the rights of others, patriotism, on the other hand, is a love for one’s native land that accords rights to all other nations equal to those claimed for one’s own. Patriotism, in other words, leads to a properly ordered social love”; and
WHEREAS, the 1.78 million members of the Knights of Columbus are organized into more than 13,000 councils in 11 countries on three continents, where patriotism is expressed in a variety of ways that are unique to each country; and
WHEREAS, for faithful Catholics, patriotism goes hand in hand with a deep appreciation of the bonds of faith that unite us across all national borders;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that we affirm our dedication to patriotism and love of country, as well as our conviction that every truly successful society is built upon a body of citizens for whom religious faith is central to their lives.