Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 376 – Part II.

YOUCAT Question n. 376 – Part II. What duties do citizens have toward the State?

(Youcat answer - repeated) Every citizen has the duty to cooperate loyally with the civil authorities and to contribute to the Common Good in truth, justice, freedom, and solidarity.

A deepening through CCC

(CCC 2240) Submission to authority and co-responsibility for the common good make it morally obligatory to pay taxes, to exercise the right to vote, and to defend one's country: Pay to all of them their dues, taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due (Rom 13:7). [Christians] reside in their own nations, but as resident aliens. They participate in all things as citizens and endure all things as foreigners.... They obey the established laws and their way of life surpasses the laws.... So noble is the position to which God has assigned them that they are not allowed to desert it (Ad Diognetum 5, 5 and 10; 6, 10: PG 2, 1173 and 1176). The Apostle exhorts us to offer prayers and thanksgiving for kings and all who exercise authority, "that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, godly and respectful in every way" (1 Tim 2:2).     

Reflecting and meditating 

(Youcat comment) A Christian, too, should love his homeland, defend it in various ways in times of need, and gladly offer to serve civil institutions. He should exercise the right to vote and even run for office and not shirk the duty to pay just taxes. Nevertheless, within the State the individual citizen remains a free man with fundamental rights; he has the right to offer constructive criticism of the State and its organs. The State is there for the people, not the individual for the State.

(CCC Comment)

(CCC 2245) The Church, because of her commission and competence, is not to be confused in any way with the political community. She is both the sign and the safeguard of the transcendent character of the human person. "The Church respects and encourages the political freedom and responsibility of the citizen" (GS 76 § 3).        

(This question: What duties do citizens have toward the State? is continued)