Faith and Politics
For CPJ, our faith calls us beyond apathy or powerlessness. It calls us to a faith that opens us to our common humanity, our calling to love God by loving our neighbour also in our political life together.
So together, we have donned the perspective of public justice. It is a vision which helps us not to be lured into false dichotomies, or black and white positions when they are not necessary. We see the need for healing steps to be taken. Real people are suffering real hardships that concrete policies and prophetic vision can alleviate. That’s the call of public justice, the calling from God for government, government which Romans 13 says is “for our good.” Justice for all – an economy of care – the joining together of all circles of society for the well-being of all and for the common good – that is public justice.
The federal government's announcement last week of possible reforms to the retirement income system highlights the fact that financial decisions are never just that. We must consider the social implications behind the numbers and how they reflect our values as a nation. The 2012 federal budget will soon be tabled, and Canadians have the opportunity to make their voice heard. 
For nearly 50 years now, CPJ has been bearing witness to God's call for love, justice and stewardship in the Canadian public sphere. Together, we have diligently worked for public justice and the common good. In this feature, we look back and celebrate what we accomplished in 2011. 
During the COP17 talks on climate change in Durban, South Africa, Canada would only say that it was not prepared to commit to a second commitment period within the Kyoto Protocol. Our negotiators said that they had no reason to believe that Canada was preparing to withdraw entirely from Kyoto. Then, as soon as the delegation arrived home, Canada announced its withdrawal from the Kyoto Protocol. So were there any signs of hope in the UN process in Durban, and is there any chance for environmental objectives to be meaningfully advanced as a result? 
Many leaders of faith communities see climate change as a moral issue. Global warming affects major questions such as humanity’s relationship with nature and each other, solidarity with the poor, and the possibilities for future generations. So when media outlets suggest that faith leaders who challenge certain policies should “shut their trap,” rather than debating the content of the moral message, the public discourse is diminished. 
This week, a two-day event was held in Ottawa, where, for the first time, faith leaders met to address the growing crises caused by climate change. Leaders from faith, political and environmental communities discussed the recently created 
When an election is called, church communities will encourage their faithful to undertake their civic duty to vote. All faith traditions will laud democratic participation – yet many Canadians are discouraged by politics and over 40% no longer vote. Beneficial reforms to the electoral system, allowing for more enhanced participation by Canadians, are very beneficial to the common good. Activities that limit, constrain and even exclude Canadians from participation in the political process are not helpful. Will the elimination of per-vote subsidy funding to political parties enhance civic participation and culture? 
The recent tabling of Bill C-49, Preventing Human Smugglers from Abusing Canada’s Immigration System Act, ignited a fervent outcry against its punitive measures against refugees. However, the Act also raises bigger questions about politics in Canada and the measures used to get things accomplished. Is cooperation towards the common good possible? 
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Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ) and our work of faith, justice and politics:
