THE CHURCH AND POLITICS – State and Church Relations

NATURE OF POLITICS Politics Is a system of influence, of power, of control Politics is from the word polis – city. Politics is a science and art of directing the affairs of public interest, particularly the temporal aspect of man

THE SOURCE AND END OF POLITICS The source of politics is the people. Since people have dignity, politics emanate from that dignity. The root of politics is human dignity ‘Politics is good in so far as it protects and promotes human dignity and rights’ The end of politics is the common good which is the welfare of all

SOURCE OF POLITICAL AUTHORITY All authority comes from God God’s authority is manifested in mission and service. Politics is a share of the authority of God Authority emanates from the people, the subject of authority Authority exists for the common good and its attainment

CHURCH AND STATE RELATIONS BASIS OF UNITY BETWEEN THE CHURCH AND THE STATE The basis of unity of the Church and the State is human dignity, the common good, and ultimately, God

CHURCH AND STATE RELATIONS JURISDICTION OF THE CHURCH AND THE STATE The Church is the guardian of the spiritual and moral dimensions of life The State is in charge of the temporal welfare of all *Both entities exists for harmony in the service of all human beings and in the love of God

CHURCH AND STATE RELATIONS THE DUTIES OF THE STATE TOWARDS GOD The State is responsible for the promotion of the socio- political order, economic stability, religious freedom and ecological balance Christians are bound to obey government leaders, to elect worthy leaders, to pay taxes, to pray for them and countercheck them (1 Tim 2:1-7).

CHURCH AND STATE RELATIONS INFLUENCES OF THE CHURCH ON THE STATE The Church is superior to the State in her origin, end and interests. The Church therefore has an indirect influence over the State

CHURCH AND STATE RELATIONS THE CHURCH IN THE STATE The Church is the guardian of human dignity The Church is a conscience of society The Church is an energy to the human community The Church promotes unity between and among nations The Church sets the pace for human development The Church is a teacher

CHURCH AND STATE RELATIONS ON INVOLVEMENT OF CLERICS IN POLITICS Clerics as citizens of the State have the right to actively participate in and be protected by the State They are prohibited from joining in any political party or anything that will be divisive to the common welfare It is their duty to proclaim moral principles and those necessary for faith and practice towards social order

‘The transformation of the world happens when political authority and community work freely, actively and co-responsibly in a constant and perpetual will towards the promotion of the common good’. TCSI p.196