2239 It is the duty of citizens to
contribute along with the civil authorities to the good of
society in a spirit of truth, justice, solidarity, and freedom.
The love and service of one's country follow from the duty of
gratitude and belong to the order of charity. Submission to
legitimate authorities and service of the common good require
citizens to fulfill their roles in the life of the political
community.
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 [Rom 13:7]:
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.
[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, 10]
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]
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Guía del Votante para Católicos Devotos
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