Catholics and the vote

It is voting time in the United States. Every two years Americans elect members of the House of Representatives to two-year terms and about one-third of their senators, who serve six-year terms.

The House of Representatives and the Senate make up the US Congress. Presidents are elected to four-year terms. The elections in which Americans vote for their congressional representatives but not for president are known as mid-term elections, which this year will be on November 7.

And as usual churches and religious groups are trying to influence the vote. Religious organisations are busy distributing voter guides to inform the faithful about issues and candidates. They appear at a time when the Internal Revenue Service (IRS, the equivalent of the South African Revenue Service) is closely monitoring politicking by churches and when high-profile public policy issues are linked to religious values.

This year, religious groups with more liberal political orientations are producing guides, which have long been used by conservative Christians. And all groups are benefiting from the Internet, where guides are posted for downloading by groups and individuals in anticipation of November 7 elections.

The ban on political campaign activity by charities and churches was created by the US Congress (like the South African parliament) 52 years ago. The IRS administers the tax laws written by parliament and has enforcement authority over tax-exempt organisations.

In 1954, Congress approved an amendment to prohibit non-profit organisations, such as charities and churches, from engaging in any political campaign activity. The prohibition also applies to statements opposing candidates.

But, as we know, religious leaders will always find a way of beating the system. What this law means is that it is illegal for a religious community to say vote for or against this party or that candidate.

Last month, an Anglican parish was taken to task by the taxman for inviting a guest speaker who strongly criticised President Bush while delivering a sermon in 2004.

Some religious leaders are concerned that some politicians and parties are tempting the faithful to violate the law. Recently a politician used a church building in a televised campaign commercial.

But should churches remain silent? The decisive factor in this year’s national election centres on moral issues.

The first deals with the US presence and role in Iraq and Afghanistan—foreign policy.

The second issue deals with the treatment of those who are suspected of terrorist activities. Terror suspects may be tried by a military tribunal as opposed to ordinary open courts. The investigators will have extraordinary powers to interrogate (and maybe torture) suspects without recourse to civil courts.

One of the issues debated is the tapping of communication facilities (telephones, e-mails) of people in the interest of national security. In Wisconsin state, where I live, there will be referendums also dealing with moral issues. The citizens will decide if gay relationships should be recognised by law. The second vote will determine if the death penalty should be introduced in the state.

Every four years since 1976, the US Catholic bishops have issued a statement on the roles and responsibilities of Catholics in American public life. Lay organisations and religious congregations, sometimes differing with the hierarchy, are also attempting to influence the elections

As Americans prepare to vote, we need to understand that our Church’s social teachings call us to consider a broad range of important issues—on everything from poverty to war, human rights, abortion, death penalty, and the environment.

There is no Catholic voting formula, and there is rarely, if ever, a perfect candidate for Catholic voters. Deciding how to vote can be difficult, but it is a task to be taken seriously and prayerfully.

That is why a prayer for the Americans and a reflection by South Africans is so important.