Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Hong Kong (Agenzia Fides) - “The faith demands that Christians fulfil their duties as citizens and promote politics in keeping with social justice and equality” said Jesuit Father John Coleman, professor of theology at Loyola Marymount University in the USA. The American priest was when addressing participants at a Seminar in Hong Kong on Seminar “Christian, citizen and public official: Relation between Identities” organised by two Hong Kong diocesan Commissions respectively for Justice and Peace and Pastoral Care of Workers in collaboration with Holy Spirit Centre and the University of China’s Centre for the Study of Catholicism. The Hong Kong diocesan bulletin Kong Ko Bao said about 20 theologians, experts and pastoral workers attended the three day seminar during which the reflected on the Church’s teaching on the question. Fr. Coleman, a scholar in Catholic Social Doctrine and Moral Theology said “Christians must take an active part in political life because this is also part of the mission to evangelise”. “The principles of the faith are in no way in contrast with the identity of the citizen”. At times there can be “come temptation when taking part in politics but Christians should follow the teaching of Gaudium et Spes which says Christians and non Christians must contribute towards progress in the world”. A Protestant Christian participant said “Catholic Social Teaching is rooted in the Sacred Scripture and basics of theology”. During the seminar a Catholic public official shared his experience as a citizen, a state worker and a Catholic. (Agenzia Fides 30/05/2006 Righe: 30 Parole: 318)
