Opinion: The Pope, Politics and Norwalk

I rarely comment on national or international affairs, preferring to focus on the issues and concerns affecting Norwalk. However, the recent public disagreement between the Pope and the current administration in Washington raises a broader question that also deserves consideration here at home: What role should religious institutions play in politics?

I am a Roman Catholic, and my faith has always been an important part of my life. I attend church for spiritual fulfillment, to give thanks for my many blessings and to be reminded that we are here to love, serve and help one another. I do not attend church to discuss partisan politics or to be persuaded to support a particular candidate or political party.

Religious leaders certainly have a responsibility to address moral questions and matters of human dignity. At the same time, there is a meaningful difference between offering moral guidance and using the pulpit to promote candidates, political parties or government agendas. When that line becomes blurred, houses of worship risk becoming another source of political division rather than places of faith, fellowship and unity.

During Norwalk’s municipal elections, I attended services at many different houses of worship. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet people and become better acquainted with fellow Norwalkers from a variety of religious traditions.

Many congregations were warm and welcoming. Even when I was visiting for the first time, I felt at home. Their services were uplifting, brought me closer to God and filled me with hope. I believe people of faith can benefit from occasionally visiting a different house of worship. Experiencing another tradition can be both meaningful and rewarding. Even those who do not consider themselves religious may find value in witnessing the fellowship and sense of community these congregations provide.

Unfortunately, a few experiences left me with a very different impression. I felt that my presence was merely being tolerated, and I could not help but notice how heavily politics influenced the services. There was discussion about whom people should elect, accompanied by criticism of those belonging to a particular political party.

A religious service should promote faith, compassion and love for our neighbors, not division or hostility toward those with different political beliefs. Local religious leaders who turn their services into political rallies are not strengthening our community. They are contributing to the very divisions that houses of worship should help us overcome.

We should ask ourselves why we attend religious services. Is it for spiritual renewal, or to have our political preferences affirmed? When the collection basket is passed, are we supporting the charitable and spiritual work of the congregation, or helping provide a political platform for favored candidates?

If the answer is increasingly political, perhaps it is time to find a congregation that places faith above partisanship and praises God rather than the people we elect to City Hall, Hartford or Washington.

The rights to religious expression and political participation must both be respected. Nevertheless, tax-exempt religious institutions should exercise great care when their activities begin to resemble organized political advocacy. If a house of worship chooses to function as a political organization, the public has every right to question whether it should continue receiving all the benefits afforded to an institution devoted primarily to religious and charitable purposes.

Religion should serve as a moral compass—not a campaign headquarters. Its purpose should be to bring people together, inspire service and remind us of our shared humanity.

If a church basement has hosted more politicians than potluck dinners, it may be time to ask whether politics has been given too prominent a place at the table.

The next time candidates are promoted, political parties are condemned or a sermon begins to sound more like a campaign speech, ask yourself: Are you at church or a political rally?

Vinny Scicchitano