Praying for Political Leaders

Aug 02, 2024

Prayer Prism - Fr Fabian Dicom

Some time ago, I preached in my homilies about the need to address issues such as injustice, racism, and corruption. I emphasised that, reflecting on the Word of God and the Social Teachings of the Church in our socio-political context, calls us to take action. This message, highlighting the political realm of our country, led to criticism from some individuals. They urged me to focus on what they considered appropriate material for homilies, such as catechesis, personal spirituality, and morality. They expressed disapproval of my inclusion of “politics in the Church”, arguing that it was irrelevant to their faith life. These homilies, nevertheless, addressed the injustices in our society, emphasising the importance of putting our faith into action, especially in the realm of social justice and advocacy.

However, our faith does not exist in a vacuum but has mandatory implications for our engagement in public life. This month, Pope Francis’ prayer intention invites us to reflect deeply on the role of political leaders and to pray that they may truly serve their people, promoting integral human development and the common good, with a special focus on caring for the poor and the unemployed.

Misunderstanding the Separation of Faith and Politics
Many cite “Give back to Caesar what belongs to Caesar – and to God what belongs to God” (Matthew 22:21) to argue that faith should be kept separate from politics. However, Jesus’ response was not about creating a strict separation but emphasising that our ultimate allegiance is to God. Our faith should guide our political actions, ensuring they align with justice, compassion, and the common good. This holistic view is supported by the broader Christian tradition, which calls for the integration of faith into all aspects of life.

The True Meaning of Politics
The word “politics” originates from the Greek “polis,” meaning city-state, and refers to the affairs of the community and governance. Politics is about organising society to promote the common good, a noble vocation that seeks to create conditions where all members of society can thrive. Political engagement is not only a right but also a duty for Christians, who are called to be salt and light in the world. The Expectations of Political Leaders Political leaders are expected to uphold justice, equity, and the common good. They should prioritise the needs of the poor and marginalised, ensuring that everyone has access to essential resources and opportunities. The Church's social teachings urge political leaders to address issues such as poverty, inequality, and unemployment with compassion and commitment. By promoting policies that protect human dignity and foster social justice, politicians can contribute to a more equitable and flourishing society.

Pope Paul VI, in his encyclical Populorum Progressio, states, “The development we speak of here cannot be restricted to economic growth alone. To be authentic, it must be well-rounded; it must foster the development of each man and of the whole man” (Populorum Progressio, 14). This highlights the need for integral human development, which political leaders must prioritise.

The Necessity of Praying for Politicians
In Malaysia, there is widespread dissatisfaction with politicians’ failure to fulfil electoral promises, particularly in areas like institutional, economic, social, legal, education, and environmental reforms. Notable issues include:

1. Anti-Corruption Measures: Despite some steps, substantial and systemic reforms are still needed.

2. Cost of Living: Limited success in reducing living costs and improving conditions for lower-income populations remains a challenge.

3. Abolition of Draconian Laws: Progress in amending repressive laws like the Sedition Act and Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (SOSMA) has been slow.

4. Sustainable Development: Insufficient efforts in promoting sustainable development and addressing environmental issues, with ongoing concern about deforestation, pollution, and climate change policies.

5. Equal Opportunities: While there have been efforts to promote equal opportunities for all Malaysians, significant gaps remain in addressing systemic inequalities, particularly for marginalised communities.

While some progress has been made, the implementation of promised reforms has been slower and less comprehensive than anticipated. Politicians face immense pressures and challenges, requiring wisdom, courage, and integrity to make decisions that promote justice and the common good. Amid these challenges, there are leaders who remain steadfast and committed to the welfare and rights of the people, tirelessly upholding the principles of justice and equity. These leaders serve as beacons of hope and integrity, reminding us of the potential for positive change and the importance of supporting those who strive to serve the common good. However, we have also witnessed some political leaders deviating from their responsibilities, succumbing to corruption and self-interest. This situation underscores the urgent need for our prayers and active involvement, to sustain and fortify the efforts of those working for positive change and for the conversion of the others.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that it is our moral obligation to participate in political life. “Submission to authority and co-responsibility for the common good make it morally obligatory to pay taxes, to exercise the right to vote, and to defend one’s country” (CCC 2240). This implies that we must also be responsible for the performance of the leaders we elect. Having voted them into their roles, we must not hesitate to monitor and insist that our political leaders serve the people effectively. We must also actively support their efforts that promote the common good. However, there seems to be a level of diffidence, fear, and apathy among the electorate, which needs to be addressed.

A Global Perspective on Political Responsibility
The need for responsible political leadership extends beyond national borders. Globally, we witness the devastating impacts of irresponsible political actions, including wars and systemic injustices. Politicians worldwide are failing to address the people’s agenda and prioritise the common good. Instead, they often focus on the interests of big business, establishment powers, and superpower agendas. This negligence has led to public distrust and an increasing support for movements and leaders that often promote divisive and exclusionary policies.

Political leaders across the globe must be held accountable for their actions, especially when they contribute to conflict and suffering. In many war-torn countries, political leaders prioritise power over the welfare of their people, resulting in widespread human rights abuses and suffering. It is imperative that we demand accountability and prioritise leadership that serves the common good and upholds human dignity.

The Second Vatican Council’s document, Gaudium et Spes, reminds us, “Peace is not merely the absence of war. Nor can it be reduced solely to the maintenance of a balance of power between enemies. Rather, it is founded on a correct understanding of the human person and requires the establishment of a proper relationship of justice and charity” (Gaudium et Spes, 78). This underlines the Church’s call for political leaders to promote peace and justice on a global scale.

The Church’s Role in Promoting Social Justice
The Catholic Church has always advocated for social justice and the common good. In Malaysia, the Church can play a pivotal role by educating and mobilising the faithful to engage in political life. Through initiatives such as voter education, social justice advocacy, and community organising, the Church can empower individuals to contribute to a corrupt-free society that values transparency, accountability, and the well-being of all its members.

One practical way the local Church can promote social justice is by collaborating with civil society organisations to monitor government policies and hold leaders accountable. Additionally, the Church can provide platforms for dialogue and discussion on critical social and political issues, fostering a culture of active and informed citizenship among the faithful.

Conclusion
Pope Francis, in his apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, reminds us, “An authentic faith — which is never comfortable or completely personal — always involves a deep desire to change the world, to transmit values, to leave this earth somehow better than we found it” (Evangelii Gaudium, 183). This call to action is a powerful reminder of our duty to engage in the political sphere.

Pope Francis’ prayer intention calls us to reflect on the vital role of political leaders and the need for our active engagement and prayer. By understanding the true meaning of politics and the social teachings of the Church, we can better appreciate our responsibility to participate in public life. Let us pray fervently for our political leaders, that they may be guided by wisdom and compassion, and let us commit ourselves to working for a just and equitable society that reflects the values of the Gospel. In doing so, we contribute to the common good and honour our call as Christians to be witnesses of God’s love and justice in the world. 

(Fr Fabian Dicom is the National Office Director for Caritas Malaysia.)