A report on Faith and Politics 2024
Considering Ireland’s history, the mere suggestion that we need more religious people in politics might seem bizarre. Contrary to the popular narrative that religion should be kept out of the public sphere, there’s a compelling case to be made that religious people bring a unique and desperately needed perspective to political life—one grounded in moral conviction, a sense of duty, and an unwavering commitment to the common good.
The recent Faith and Politics Workshop held in Venice is a stark reminder of why we should not only welcome but actively encourage the participation of religious people in politics. A collaboration between ourselves at JCFJ, the Jesuit European Social Centre in Brussels, and Aggiornamenti Sociali in Milan, this event brought together young people from across Europe to explore the intersection of faith and political engagement. Far from being an exercise in dogmatism or an attempt to impose religious beliefs on others, this workshop emphasised the vital role of dialogue, creative and attentive listening, and service in any democracy that seeks justice.
At a time when political discourse is often dominated by self-interest and short-term thinking, people formed in the Christian tradition can be uniquely positioned to challenge the neoliberal status quo. Approaching politics not as a Hobbesian battle for supremacy but an invitation to attend to and love their neighbour, the young Christian invested in political action (understood as something much broader and richer than merely electoral politics) can offer a unique contribution. This doesn’t always happen, of course! But we should not deny the possibility.
Consider the state of contemporary politics across the continent. Far-right groups appear ascendant and bigoted. Polarising and deeply fearful rhetoric is increasingly the order of the day. Even within more moderate political discourse, often opponents are not just disagreed with, but demonized. In this context, the Christian invested in the public square can bring a different approach—one that emphasises the loves we share in common and the possibility that encounter with difference can generate new possibilities, better than our own self-interest would have pursued. In lieu of fear, the Christian (theoretically) can offer fearless hope.
The Faith and Politics Workshop underscored the importance of dialogue across differences, a practice that is deeply rooted in the Ignatian tradition. Participants were encouraged to listen to opposing viewpoints with an open heart and mind, seeking to understand rather than to win an argument. This emphasis on dialogue is critical in an age where echo chambers and ideological rigidity so often paralyse both our creative and critical thinking, trapping us in tribalist dead-ends. This is as true for “religious” people as “secular” people and those coming from other traditions have their own resources that can generate renewal. But this programme reminded the participants – from all across Europe and from all the different parts of the church – that they have rich resources to draw upon themselves.
It’s important to clarify that advocating for more religious people in politics does not mean endorsing theocracy or the imposition of religious laws on a secular society. Rather, it is about recognising that religious individuals have a valuable role to play in the democratic process. They bring to the table a rich ethical framework that can inform debates on a wide range of issues, from social justice to environmental care. In fact, many of the most significant social movements in history, from the abolition of slavery to the civil rights movement, were led by individuals whose actions were motivated by their religious beliefs.
Older Irish people commonly have a kneejerk idea that religion is divisive and that faith has no place in public life. This perspective is understandable, but lamentably too constrained by that generation’s experience. Younger Irish people from across the cultural spectrum simply don’t have this preoccupation with classifying “religious” as some special and dangerous mode of human experience. They see their religious peers as people intrinsically worthy of respect and understand that in a society that genuinely welcomes difference, making space for people to speak from their faith convictions is essential.
The Faith and Politics Workshop demonstrated that young people find it deeply nourishing and inspiring when they are given the space and the tools to integrate their faith with their political engagement. These are not fanatics or zealots, but thoughtful individuals who understand that their faith calls them to serve others and to work towards a more just and compassionate world.
So: The presence of religious people in politics should not be feared, but embraced. They bring a distinct and rich ethical vision to the public square that is often marked by thin accounts of human agency, reduced simply to not much more than autonomy. As the political landscape continues to evolve, and Ireland increasingly faces a resurgent, fascistically hostile Far-right, it is imperative that we make space for voices that are guided not by the pursuit of power, but by a commitment to the common good. The Faith and Politics Workshop is a powerful reminder that when faith and politics intersect, the result can be a more just, compassionate, and unified society. And that is something we should all want.
