How we redeem the political system

By Fr Stephan Alexander

General Manager, CCSJ and AMMR

The core message of Christianity is this: God loves us! He loves us so much that He sent His Son to Earth to save humanity from the consequences of its sins. Jesus, His Son, died for humanity’s sins and rose from the dead, offering us salvation and eternal life through faith in Him.

This message, which we experience because of the grace of Our Lord’s incarnation and His ultimate sacrifice for us—His Passion, death, and Resurrection —demonstrates the possibility of redemption and establishes a pattern for humanity to follow.

Just as we were created and redeemed, we must follow the pattern established by Jesus and recognise the potential for redemption in each other and our human structures.

Let’s face it: God didn’t have to save humanity once we became corrupted by sin. God could have ignored us, allowed us to remain separated from Him, and left us to face the consequences of sin without the possibility of salvation.

Or, He could have erased humanity and started over. Chapters 6 and 18 of the book of Genesis demonstrate two occasions when this almost happened since humanity had become “corrupt in God’s sight”. However, the presence of good people ensured that God did not bring a complete end to humanity. Instead, God decided in favour of us.

Often, the experience of daily life, with its constant reminder of sin, violence, injustice, and the corruption of human structures, renders it difficult for human beings to consider the good in each other. Some may even question if it’s possible to believe in goodness in the face of human frailty.

Yet, this is exactly why the possibility of redemption needs to be considered and reflected upon regularly. Our failure to reflect leads to forgetfulness that sin and grace exist in the life of each human being.

However, reflection reminds us that “where sin increased, grace abounded all the more” (Rom 5:20). It also reminds us to follow God’s action of recognising the good that exists despite the presence of corruption.

Our consideration of redemption is most necessary as we draw closer to election day. Many people view politics with cynicism, believing it to be self-serving. Frustrated by corruption, division, and inefficiency, they disengage from political life or choose indifference, believing their voice doesn’t matter. Many religious people refuse to participate, convinced that politics is a dirty game best avoided. After all, our political system is imperfect, and the flaws of our politicians are apparent.

There is truth in these observations. This is precisely why our participation is essential because when good people remain silent, injustice flourishes.

Friends, opting out of the electoral process doesn’t facilitate change. It only allows injustice to persist unchallenged. The activity and intervention of ‘good’ people are required if change and, ultimately, redemption are to be achieved. Noah, Abraham, and Jesus demonstrate that in the scripture passages mentioned earlier.

We have to act! Politics is not an abstract concept; it influences the air we breathe, the education our children receive, the healthcare we can access, and the economic opportunities available to us.

Every policy decision, every law, and every leader elected has a direct impact on daily life. This is why the Church seeks to stimulate greater insight into the authentic requirements of justice—right relationships—and reminds us of our civic duty to participate in political life.

Pope Benedict XVI reminded us that Christianity is not meant to be lived in isolation as a privatised faith that ignores social obligations. The call to love our neighbour includes ensuring that policies reflect human dignity, solidarity, and justice.

Whether you are Catholic, of another faith tradition, or simply someone who values justice and fairness, the call is the same: do not sit on the sidelines. The responsibility to build a just society rests with all of us.

When we engage in the political process—through voting, advocacy, and holding leaders accountable—we contribute to the redemption of our political system and create a future rooted in fairness, dignity, and progress.

To all reading this: I urge you to stand up, get involved, and make your voice count. Imagine a community plagued by crime, where the residents refuse to report incidents or engage with law enforcement. In their silence, they unwittingly enable wrongdoing.

The same applies to our civic duty—silence and inaction in political life only empower those who seek personal gain over justice.

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