Vatican II In A Year Day 324: GS 42: Value of social movements
Nov 20, 2025
Fr. Matthew Schneider delves into the value of social movements in building unity within the human family. He discusses the Church's nonpartisan stance while influencing public policy through its moral teachings. Notably, he highlights how the Church recognizes and supports elements of social movements promoting racial equality and disability rights. Emphasizing the Church's independence from political and economic systems, he illustrates its role in initiating charitable works and cooperating with compatible institutions.
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Church As Source Of Human Unity
- The Church strengthens human unity by offering a spiritual unity rooted in Christ rather than political power.
- Its religious mission supplies light and energy that can structure and consolidate human communities.
Keep Church Mission Separate From Politics
- Avoid treating the Church as a political party or instrument of political force.
- Maintain its distinct religious mission even when it influences public policy on moral issues.
Giving Up Party Membership To Become A Priest
- Fr. Matthew recounts that entering the priesthood required him to give up active political party membership in Canada.
- He emphasizes that party membership included a small yearly fee and was part of his civic identity prior to ordination.