Highlights of the Forum ‘Politics and Faith in a polarized world… a more discerning look with John Milloy.’
John Milloy, Assist. Prof of Public Ethics, Martin Luther Univ. College; Director, Centre for Public Ethics; Former Ontario MPP & Cabinet Minister, helped us answer key questions about political engagement and discern how to avoid being fixated (whether on tariffs, hot button issues, utopianism…)
Why would a person of faith, especially a Christian, want to get involved in politics?
- Christianity is about the other and politics is about how we organize ourselves collectively.
- We are called to build God’s Kingdom on earth (and we are supposed to be Easter people rather than Good Friday people)
- For Catholics, we have an explicit call to get involved (Pope Francis: ‘Get your hands dirty’)
Politics and governing are about:
- Allocating scarce resources (there is so much need out there). A politician must pick their battles. There are limits to everything that could be done (laws, taxes etc) especially in the limited time of a mandate.
- Managing: there are already so many ongoing projects and activities that need managing (i.e. funding of hospitals, schools, police etc.)
- Dealing with the unforeseen: Events like Sept 11th, a pandemic… can reshuffle priorities.
How to assess the type of job a candidate or party would do if elected?
1/ Priorities (looking at history, campaign rhetoric, friends and enemies)
2/ Platform and policies (even though Canada has a tendency to move to the centre)
3/ Worldview (e.g. “if you work hard, play by the rules, you will get ahead” or “our society is rigged in favour of the rich and the powerful, it doesn’t matter what you do if you are not part of dominant group, you are never getting ahead”). A worldview is what could decide what a politician prioritizes when unforeseen events arise.
What should be a Christian’s proprieties, policies, worldviews? There is no definitive answer, only cues:
- Common Good – for everyone, not a group over another (not only the middle class who votes and will give you power)
- Solidarity (with everyone in need: whether a homeless person, a migrant, or a trucker who expressed his frustration by taking over Parliament Hill in 2022)
- Stewardship of creation: cannot be conveniently put aside when it doesn’t fit the flavour of the day.
Things to keep in mind:
- There are different paths to the same end.
- Beware of utopianism – no answer will solve all problems – and take platforms with a grain of salt.
- Policy problems are much more complex than presented in an election campaign.
- Voting is about making choices in an imperfect world full of imperfect people: No Political Party or candidate is going to represent everything you are searching for.
- This is about discernment through a faith lens and faith involves sacrifice, responsibility and the giving of oneself. We can vote in a way that might not benefit us personally (e.g. that might force us to pay more taxes, see regulations impacting our lifestyle in a negative way etc.) because Christian discernment isn't simply about what affects me.
- The unknown is a huge factor in governing and there is room to reflect on the character / worldview of those who put their name on the ballot
‘Hot button issues’
- An election is not a referendum on issues like abortion or maid.
- To what extent do we meet the world where it is when it comes to these issues? (when there is a certain acceptance in a society on issues like abortion or maid, an election is not going to magically change that)
- Is the answer to every moral problem a law? (Would it even be feasible?) There are other sensitive approaches, like education etc.
Tariffs
- Tariffs are an important issue in this 2025 election, but not the only one. We can’t forget the environment, poverty, homelessness, immigration.
- Addressing Canada’s economic vulnerability must be done in a way that respects the poor, marginalized and the environment.
- It is acceptable to love your country out of a sense of responsibility, but be wary of adopting a sense of superiority or failing to recognize a sense of solidarity (with people outside Canada)
Christian call to engage in civil discourse implies:
- Humility
- Look for the other side’s “share of the truth” (Pope Francis)
- We are all made in the image of God and 99% of politicians a re seeking office for the “right reasons”.
Questions and Answers, and reflections from the Listening Circles
- The nature of politics has become more negative, for example with politicians asked to be aligned with their party. It is in part because the complexity of issues has increased and the speed of events now don’t allow for horizontal decision, so leaders feel need more control. Another aspect might be “our fault”: We don’t vote for a party because they have cooperated well with the government, we generally vote for a party that contrasts with a government.
- As Christians it's important to listen to all sides, beware of slogans and simple answers. Getting the facts straight, getting informed, for example about the critics of a policy you are attracted to.
- Polarization, and the challenge of multifaith: Sometimes even the idea of having a discussion is impossible. But we can always fond some common ground in action, like a concrete joint project for the most vulnerable. Everyone could be having a degree of humility and trying to understand a little bit where the other side's coming from.
- Some issues seem bigger than what our political system and our democracy can manage: indigenous reconciliation, climate change? This crisis might be a good moment to rethink federalism, role of provinces, cities. The Church teachings also tell us that we should not let governments handle everything. We also have responsibilities as individuals and communities on some of these big issues, and it is up to us to find what we can do.
- Our political choices are not only Canadian (thinking of the ramifications of the dismantlement of US Aid)
- What do we mean with polarization? We can disagree, that’s the point of campaigns and debates. But maybe the nature of our disagreement has shifted, as disrespect has entered it? Can we continue to have a relationship?