Non-Negotiable Political Issues for Catholics

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What does religion have to do with politics?  If we can say that the mission of the Church is the happiness and salvation of all, then the Church will sometimes have to be involved with politics, since the actions of governments can have an impact on people’s happiness and salvation.

By reflecting on the Natural Law and the Gospel, the Church has developed social principles that should guide our societies and governments, including everything from the right to private property and a just wage to how we treat the poor and immigrants.

Of course, Catholics need not be monolithic in how these principles are applied, and there is room for legitimate difference of opinion on many issues.

On the other hand, the Church also teaches that some issues are so fundamental as to be non-negotiable.

In the document Sacramentum Caritatis, Pope Benedict named three specific issues that are paramount to the common good: first, defending human life at all ages and stages; second, upholding traditional marriage between one man and one woman; and, thirdly, protecting the natural right of parents to educate and raise their children according to their beliefs.¹
Life, marriage, family—these three form the very foundation of societies, and should be given due priority by Catholics when we go to the ballot box.

1 -  Sacramentum Caritatis 83 (Post-Synodal Exhortation on the Eucharist)