By Matt Brower
Earlier this month, Montana legislators convened in Helena for the beginning of the 67th regular legislative session. With the ongoing pandemic, it’s unclear what this session will ultimately look like and how public participation will be impacted. These are uncertain times that require us to find creative ways to continue our important work. Regardless of the form it takes, the Montana Catholic Conference (MCC) will once again be working to bring a Catholic voice to the legislative process.
With bills addressing issues of abortion, criminal justice reform, religious freedom, poverty, human trafficking, the death penalty, immigration related matters and much more, the conference will be urging lawmakers to craft public policies that protect human life and dignity and promote the common good.
Effectively weaving principles of Catholic social teaching into public policy can be challenging. However, simply being present to lawmakers and sharing of testimony during hearings offers an opportunity for the Catholic conference to share the bishops’ perspective on issues and the rich tradition of the Church’s social teaching.
But it’s not enough that the Catholic conference is advocating on these matters. This can never be solely the work of the bishops and the conference. With the challenges posed by COVID, the dynamic engagement by all Catholics is even more critical this session.
As Catholics, we bring a consistent moral framework to questions of public policy and we draw upon this framework in helping shape a just society. The work of the conference really is the work of evangelization and it’s a work to which all Catholics are called to participate.
In baptism, we commit to follow Jesus Christ bearing witness to him in all that we do. We are sent to proclaim the truth that is Jesus himself, into every aspect of human life, including our politics. It is essential that all Catholics bring their voices into that process so that we, as a Church, can work to safeguard the vulnerable and promote social conditions that allow all people to thrive.
Though some may consider politics to be a stomach-churning exercise in futility, it truly is a noble endeavor and not one to be left only to lawmakers and lobbyists. Being a faithful citizen doesn’t end with the return of one’s ballot. Standing with and advocating for the voiceless—therein lies our mission.
So how does MCC help Catholics to be politically involved during the legislative session?
MCC is once again utilizing an electronic advocacy alert network to facilitate political engagement by Catholics around the state. This tool allows Montana Catholics to join their voices with those of our bishops. You can sign up to receive network emails by visiting www.montanacc.org/take-action.
Also, those who use Facebook are encouraged to “like” the Montana Catholic Conference page to view updates we post on a regular basis (facebook.com/MTCatholicConference).
The conference serves as a resource on matters of public policy, so if you have questions about legislation, advocating on specific bills or issues, or questions about the legislative process, don’t hesitate to contact MCC. And please remember to keep our lawmakers, government officials and the work of the conference in your prayers. For more information about MCC or to join MCC’s Advocacy Alert Network, contact Executive Director, Matt Brower at (406) 442-5761 or director@montanacc.org.
Please help us continue
