By Bishop David Ricken | On Mission
With the elections only months away, I often ponder, what would a political candidate who supports our Catholic beliefs look like? We are overwhelmed with political rhetoric that seeks to divide people and parties. The assassination attempt of a few weeks ago caused us all to realize that violence is escalating in our political process and country. Political leaders often seem to care more about their party and political agenda than they care about “We the People.” The citizens of this country are not polarized, politics is. And politics often tries to polarize us.
Most people in our country are good people. We help our neighbors in need. We bond together and support one another amidst tragedy. Many people quietly and steadfastly help the poor and needy among us. Why is it that we continually hear from the media and political leaders that we are divided? If we are looking through the lens of truth, these narratives are used to instill fear and to get you to do what someone else wants.
Let me propose a new way. My friends, what we need in our country are new leaders. It’s time for a new generation of leaders that promotes the gift of life and true freedom for the people of this land. I would love to see leaders who understand that life is our preeminent priority and fundamental right. If we don’t have a right to life, the other rights we are meant to have are lost.
This scourge of abortion has impacted every one of us and must stop. Please take a moment right now to pray and repent for the actions of our nation and state, to pray for our political leaders to affirm life from conception until natural death. Our personal repentance and prayers on behalf of our country and world are necessary to move hearts. This is essential in our State of Wisconsin as we are watching the protection of life cease in several of our cities. Many of our political leaders are right now working to enshrine abortion into our state constitution.
I pray for a new generation of leaders who respect Catholic social teaching (see wisconsincatholic.org/parish-resources/faithful-citizenship/) and foster a culture of life. A culture of life is one that promotes human flourishing and freedom to do what is right. True leaders promote and vote for legislation that empowers you to foster the common good.
This new generation of leaders will bravely and compassionately reject all threats to the life and dignity of the human person. They will resist efforts that foster euthanasia, gun violence, terrorism, the death penalty and human trafficking. They will support marriage as between one man and one woman, justice for the poor, migrants and refugees. They will challenge efforts that confuse gender, threaten religious liberty, foster racism and threaten God’s creation.
I truly believe that God can raise up noble, valiant and courageous public leaders who support the life and dignity of every human being. We saw Him do it throughout Scripture. Through our voice and our vote this November (and beyond), we must promote and support leadership that will respect our freedom and foster the common good.
It’s time for new leaders to be raised up. Often good people who seek to serve become discouraged and pull out of politics because it has become so corrupt. I know it would not be easy and that many forces would be against them. It is my hope and prayer that the Lord will raise up good men and women willing to enter the fray and promote the common good. Political parties will not always support this … but we the people must support good leaders.
Let us begin our support even now. Let us together pray that the Lord raises up leaders who can support life, foster the dignity of all and bring renewed unity to our land. Only our Lord can renew this country and the world. Come, Lord Jesus, come!
