What are the limits of the role of the Church and the Christian in politics?

a. If the Church is meant to be a holy leaven in the world, contributing to its edification, growth, and progress in all aspects of life; then the Church must know her role, responsibilities, and rights. The Church, as the mother of humanity, must not be drawn into politics, for this may lead her to favor groups or persons at the expense of others. But she must be a loving mother to all. Thus, the Church is not permitted to establish a political party, nor to push her children to support or join a particular party.

b. In imitation of her Creator and Savior, the Church must vouchsafe free will. Our Creator who knows all things vouchsafes humanity complete freedom while at the same time offering him the support and guidance of His divine grace. He does not cause the sun to shine upon believers but withhold it from unbelievers; nor does He cause rain to fall upon the righteous but withhold it from the wicked [cf. Matt. 5:45]. He loves all and gives every person complete freedom to choose his way, his agenda, and his behavior. This is how the Church works to support every person as much as she can to have a mature personality. Thus, we can all practice our spiritual, social, and intellectual lives, and can flourish in all things. It is not the right of the Church or the father of confession to control anyone like an instrument in his hand; but the human dignity of all should be respected, even the small child. We must respect every person’s human freedom, value his opinions, support him, and help him within appropriate limits, thus respecting the intellect, thinking, and talents with which God has endowed him. No one — whatever his social or ecclesiastical position — has the right to compel another to join or withdraw from a particular political party.

c. Church leaders should encourage (but not obligate) every Christian to positively engage with the society around them. The Church needs always to be aware of the role of the holy God in the life of humanity. The more the Church is sanctified and lives in the fear of God in the spirit of love and humility, the more she truly engages with humanity. Thus, she becomes a sacrament of blessing and a true support for the person, the family, society, and the world.

d. The role of the Church is to pray wholeheartedly for the state and its leaders in all aspects of their work, and for the peace of the whole world. She encourages her children to do likewise, so that God may work to guide the leaders for the edification of all.

Scripture