My church is a Jesuit catholic church in Malaysia has always been quite vocal when it comes to current issues. The Jesuit mission is hard to describe but some say they are like a think tank and executive arm of the church. So it’s no surprise that each Jesuit brother takes a clear stand on political issues. And they convey their viewpoints even in homilies (Catholic sermons) and in the announcements towards the end of the mass.
Apparently my church’s political fervour didn’t sit well with some members of the congregation who preferred the church, the near 2000 year old church, to remain apolitical, taking no sides in the political arena, and deemphasize politics on the whole.
One priest had this to say: "Let me stress, the Church has never been neutral. Not now, not in the past and not ever. We won’t tell you how to vote, but the church will always side with truth and justice.”
It’s true the Catholic Church was never neutral. All throughout European history, the church has been taking sides for its own benefit as well as the benefit of Christianity. It has even sparked multiple wars like the crusades, and many have attributed it to the downfall of communism (China is evidently scared of it as well).
Compared to centuries past, the ‘truth and justice’ portion may be a more modern stance. But it’s one that I fully support. As much as we loathe politics, Christianity encompasses all aspects of life and does not merely centre on religious affairs.
The church exercises it duties to single out any exploitations or abuse by the local authorities and resists against infringements on human rights and the faith, no matter which political party commits them. The church clergy are brave enough to stand up and be counted, even when they know that listening in their masses are government spies in the form of Special Branch officers in plain clothes.
Unlike other churches of other denominations, the Catholic Church is not a democracy. The priests’ actions reflect the Pope’s own position. Hide if you must, cover your ears, my warrior Jesuit church will not be silenced and they will forever be biased.
Apparently my church’s political fervour didn’t sit well with some members of the congregation who preferred the church, the near 2000 year old church, to remain apolitical, taking no sides in the political arena, and deemphasize politics on the whole.
One priest had this to say: "Let me stress, the Church has never been neutral. Not now, not in the past and not ever. We won’t tell you how to vote, but the church will always side with truth and justice.”
It’s true the Catholic Church was never neutral. All throughout European history, the church has been taking sides for its own benefit as well as the benefit of Christianity. It has even sparked multiple wars like the crusades, and many have attributed it to the downfall of communism (China is evidently scared of it as well).
Compared to centuries past, the ‘truth and justice’ portion may be a more modern stance. But it’s one that I fully support. As much as we loathe politics, Christianity encompasses all aspects of life and does not merely centre on religious affairs.
The church exercises it duties to single out any exploitations or abuse by the local authorities and resists against infringements on human rights and the faith, no matter which political party commits them. The church clergy are brave enough to stand up and be counted, even when they know that listening in their masses are government spies in the form of Special Branch officers in plain clothes.
Unlike other churches of other denominations, the Catholic Church is not a democracy. The priests’ actions reflect the Pope’s own position. Hide if you must, cover your ears, my warrior Jesuit church will not be silenced and they will forever be biased.
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