FAITHFUL CITIZENSHIP
WHEREAS, the Knights of Columbus shares the Church’s conviction that our obligation to shape the moral character of society is a requirement of our faith and a basic part of the mission we have received from Jesus Christ; and
WHEREAS, the Second Vatican Council proclaimed all Christians have a responsibility everywhere and in all things to seek the justice of God’s kingdom, restoring the temporal order and directing it to God through Christ; and
WHEREAS, the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that it is morally obligatory to exercise the right to vote, to defend one's country, and to offer prayers for all who exercise authority; and
WHEREAS, the Church affirms that democracy is the best expression of the direct participation of citizens in political choices; and
WHEREAS, the Church has stated that democracy succeeds only to the extent that it is based on a correct understanding of the human person; and
WHEREAS, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops reminds Americans that in the Catholic tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation rooted in our baptismal commitment to follow Jesus Christ; and
WHEREAS, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops affirms that direct threats to the sanctity and dignity of human life must always be opposed and that those who knowingly, willingly and directly support public policies or legislation that undermine these fundamental moral principles cooperate with evil; and
WHEREAS, the Knights of Columbus, as the “Strong Right Arm of the Church,” shares the convictions of the Church and seeks to address her concerns; and
WHEREAS, the Knights of Columbus has a long history of encouraging its membership and others to act on their duty to be faithful citizens.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we pledge ourselves to vigorous participation on behalf of the Church in our communities, acting in both the private and public spheres to bring the light of Christ’s salvation into human affairs; and
FURTHER RESOLVED, that in the upcoming election season, we rededicate ourselves to advocacy on behalf of the poor, the marginalized, and the voiceless, and especially on behalf of the dignity of human life, the sanctity of marriage and family life, and the right of all to practice their faith privately and publicly according to the dictates of their conscience; and
FURTHER RESOLVED, we will seek to build upon past efforts and programs designed to educate fellow citizens of their duties of faithful citizenship, and in a non-partisan way to help fellow Knights and other citizens to participate fully in the political process, including robust voter registration and “Get Out the Vote” efforts before and on election day in close collaboration with local dioceses and state Catholic conferences; and
FURTHER RESOLVED, we will remember our founding principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism in all of our interactions with others, particularly during the current election season, so that we may conduct ourselves according to Our Lord’s commandment that we love our neighbors as ourselves, for he said, “This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).