With Election Day approaching, it is worth exploring essential principles that everyone must consider when casting their vote. Solidarity is one such principle.

Many assume in theory that humans owe support to each other simply due to shared humanity. While it is difficult to practice this ideal, the sense of solidarity still exists among us. Religious traditions throughout history have emphasized a similar idea, but Christian theology extends beyond this recognition in a unique way.

Catholic Social Teaching

Though formalized relatively recently, there is a long-standing tradition of “social teaching” in Christianity. This set of principles is an extension of moral theology, as it presents ideas to guide the actions of Christians in their daily lives. This teaching consists of seven principles: 1) Life and Dignity of the Human Person, 2) Call to Family, Community, and Participation, 3) Rights and Responsibilities, 4) Option for the Poor and Vulnerable, 5) The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers, 6) Solidarity, and 7) Care for God’s Creation. While many see the modern formalization of this teaching beginning with the publication of Pope Leo XIII’s “Rerum Novarum,” the roots of these seven principles originate in the founding documents of Christianity.

Solidarity in the Bible

Though the word “solidarity” is not found in the Bible, the concept is present throughout, since it has consequences pertaining to both morality and salvation. In Genesis 12, when God enters into a new, unique relationship with Abram called a covenant, God promises blessings for Abram’s faithfulness. Genesis 12:3 notes that this blessing is not just for Abram’s family and descendants, but “all peoples on earth.” This highlights the uniqueness of Abram’s relationship as well as its purpose to bring others into the covenant.

The New Testament reiterates the sense of solidarity in the words of Jesus and St. Paul. Jesus calls “peacemakers,” or those who unite, the “children of God” in Matthew 5:9. St. Paul emphasizes the solidarity among those in the Church by the indirect effects our actions have, both positive and negative, in 1 Corinthians 12:12–26: “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.” Most significantly, Jesus emphasized a sense of solidarity with the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, and the imprisoned in Matthew 25:31–46, stating that care for these groups was equal to care for Jesus, the Son of God himself.

Solidarity in Christian History

A great example of solidarity in Christian history is St. Francis of Assisi who chose to renounce his wealth and honor in order to identify with the poor just as Jesus did.

Another example comes from the famous story of St. Francis and the man with leprosy. Because of the contagiousness, ugliness, and mortality of leprosy, those with the disease were feared and shunned. When Francis encountered a man with leprosy, he initially turned away in disgust. But then, ashamed of himself, he kissed the leper and gave him money. When he looked back, the leper was gone, and Francis realized that Jesus had appeared to him under the guise of the leper.

Both examples show the sense of solidarity built into Christianity, which extends especially to those whom society typically ignores or rejects. Christians are expected to follow the example of St. Francis, who sought to follow the example of Jesus, and identify with the outcasts as well.

Solidarity Applied Today

Recent popes have spoken on the importance of solidarity especially in the technocratic paradigm of modernity. With loneliness and isolation increasing, the need for stronger ties between people is more apparent than ever.

The greatest consideration for voting with Christian solidarity is to ask how a particular position, law, or tax will affect those who have the greatest need. Maybe a new levy will increase taxes, but the funds will support necessary maintenance for shared community spaces. Maybe a new law is restrictive, but reflects the values a community considers essential to its identity.

Sometimes the effect that policies or candidates will have en masse is obvious. However, it is often hard to see how national candidates’ policies will affect groups on the local scale. While national elections get more attention, local elections affect individuals more directly, but also afford more power to individual voters. When you head to the polls on Election Day, it is vital to consider the principal of Christian solidarity to ensure that the most vulnerable in our society are protected.

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This article was made possible by The Fred & Rheta Skelton Center for Cultural Renewal, a project of 1819 News. 

Image credit: Emile Renouf – Sotheby’s, Public Domain