The Catholic Trumpet: A Call to Acknowledge the Unity of Church and State

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A Call to Acknowledge the Unity of Church and State

The Catholic Trumpet | October 25, 2024

In the current climate of moral relativism and secular governance, it is imperative for Catholics to recognize the integral relationship between the Church and the State. The teaching of the Magisterium is unequivocal: the authority of the Church must permeate all aspects of public life, including governance.


Divine Authority of Governance

Pope Leo XIII in Immortale Dei clearly articulates this principle, stating:

"The Church has the right to control the civil society and laws, as it is the custodian of the truth which must guide every action of the individual and community."

He further emphasizes:

"For God alone is the true and supreme Lord of the world. Everything, without exception, must be subject to Him, and must serve him, so that whosoever holds the right to govern holds it from one sole and single source, namely, God, the sovereign Ruler of all."
This foundational truth underscores that any governance lacking divine endorsement is inherently flawed.


The Role of the Church

The Church is tasked with guiding not only individual souls but also the collective moral direction of nations. As Pope Pius XI in Quas Primas asserts:

"As long as individuals and states refused to submit to the rule of our Savior, there would be no really hopeful prospect of a lasting peace among nations."

The Church serves as the moral compass of society, guiding civil authority to recognize Christ’s sovereignty.


Consequences of Secularism

Pope Pius XI warns of the dangers of secularism, stating in Divini Redemptoris:

"It is the duty of every Christian to bear witness to the truth of Christ, and this includes the obligation to maintain the rightful relationship between Church and State."

He emphasizes:

"The separation of the Church from the State... will only lead to the moral decay of the community."

This highlights that neglecting Christ’s authority results in societal disarray and spiritual desolation.


Historical Precedent

The history of the Church has been one of upholding its authority against secular encroachments, as Pius XI states:

"In the Kingdom of Christ, that is, it seemed to Us that peace could not be more effectually restored nor fixed upon a firmer basis than through the restoration of the Empire of Our Lord."

This historical stance serves as a testament to the Church's unwavering commitment to guiding society.


Indispensability of Public Acknowledgment

Pope Pius XI further articulates the need for public acknowledgment of Christ’s kingship, asserting:

"Nations will be reminded... that not only private individuals but also rulers and princes are bound to give public honor and obedience to Christ."

This assertion reinforces that the acknowledgment of Christ’s authority is essential for true peace and order.


Theological and Moral Duty

As stated in Pascendi Dominici Gregis by Pope Pius X:

"The office divinely committed to Us of feeding the Lord's flock has especially this duty assigned to it by Christ, namely, to guard with the greatest vigilance the deposit of the faith delivered to the saints."

This underscores the moral obligation of Catholics to ensure that the Church’s authority informs the State.

As Catholics, we are called to uphold the truth that the Church and State must operate under the divine authority of Christ. To be a Catholic means to accept this integral relationship, advocating for a society that recognizes Christ as its rightful King.

We must strive to restore this essential order, promoting a public life informed by the principles of our faith, ensuring that the kingship of Christ is acknowledged in all facets of governance. In the words of Pope Pius XI:

"If the kingdom of Christ, then, receives, as it should, all nations under its way, there seems no reason why we should despair of seeing that peace which the King of Peace came to bring on earth."

In this light, let us reaffirm our commitment to the teachings of the Magisterium, ensuring that the authority of the Church guides the State towards the common good and eternal salvation.


-The ☩ Trumpet



References

Pope Leo XIII, Immortale Dei, November 1, 1885.
Pope Pius XI, Quas Primas, December 11, 1925.
Pope Pius X, Pascendi Dominici Gregis, September 8, 1907.
Pope Pius XI, Divini Redemptoris, March 19, 1937.