Catholics have an important role as a voting bloc in politics even when confronted with harsh political realities, said Kristen Cella, former Right to Life Michigan and Michigan Catholic Conference lobbyist.
“We have to deal with what we have,” she said. “Sometimes you’re choosing the lesser of two evils. Sometimes, hopefully, you’re choosing the better of two goods. But most of the time, you’re really choosing a good but flawed candidate over a candidate with stated evil positions.”
Cella and her husband, former U.S. Ambassador to Fiji and co-founder of CatholicVote Joseph Cella ’91, spoke on Catholics’ unique role in American political life in a talk hosted by Hillsdale College Republicans on Sept. 16.
Kristen Cella discussed the importance of navigating political compromise and the necessity of electoral participation.
“What do we do as Christians? We vote. We absolutely vote,” she said. “As Christians who live in this country, which is a democracy, where we have this beautiful gift — a right and an opportunity — to vote. We must vote out of moral obligation.”
Joseph Cella said the values of Catholic domestic life should remain paramount for Catholics in politics, even when confronted with difficult circumstances.
“You must fulfill those duties and be faithful — loving your neighbor and radiating the way of Our Lord — but that’s not the easiest thing to do,” he said. “Sometimes in the arena, you’ll defend some pretty salty people and hit challenging times. As we enter into our vocations, whatever they may be, we are all called to be ambassadors for Christ.”
Joseph Cella said the entry of young Catholics into public life has had noticeable effects.
“You see these circles of members of Congress, men and women, gathering in prayer and fellowship,” he said. “Never happened before. It’s happening.”
Kristen Cella said young people interested in careers in public life must always be wary of the distinction between realism and dishonesty.
“I think that’s the distinction for you when you go up into the world, when you go up and have these opportunities to shape the world, and sometimes I think politicians forget how much law leads people,” she said. “Always tell the truth, even if the truth is hard right now.”
Joseph Cella said he believes these political conflicts parallel larger spiritual struggles.
“We’re in the soft state of a social, cultural, and political revolution. Of course, it’s obviously in the backdrop of the titanic, cosmic, battle between good and evil, yes, and you have to engage in it,” he said.
Sophomore Josiah Jones, College Republicans treasurer and evangelical Christian, said the Cellas’ advice is beneficial for all Christians.
“I agree with Mrs. Cella that we need to stand on the side of the Right while making sure we are politically prudent,” Jones said. “As this world becomes darker, Christians across denominations are realizing that we are on the same team. We are not going to be able to win unless we fight together.”