Back to topics

Topic: Faith & Public Life

Life in the late republic: the Catholic role in America after virtue
September 26, 2010 (Denver) - Archbishop Chaput examines the virtues which have long been considered foundational to a democratic society, how modern American culture is rapidly abandoning these virtues and the simple action to which Catholics must commit in pursuit of a culture of Truth and goodness. [read more]

Religion, Journalism, and the New American Orthodoxy
September 24, 2010 (published by Public Discourse, the Witherspoon Institute)  - In an address delivered Friday before the Religion Newswriters Association, Archbishop Chaput commended America’s journalists of religion and challenged them to approach their important work with integrity, fairness, and humility. [read more] 

Archbishop Chaput: Catholics and the Next America
Sept. 17, 2010 (First Things) - Archbishop Chaput offers his latest commentary on the increasing importance of genuine, Catholic witness in the public square. He writes, "What people believe—or don’t believe—about God, helps to shape what they believe about men and women. And what they believe about men and women creates the framework for a nation’s public life." [read more]

Living within the truth: Religious liberty and Catholic mission in the new order of the world
August 24, 2010 (Spisske Podhradie, Slovakia) - Archbishop Chaput addresses the first session of the 15th symposium for the Canon Law Association of Slovakia on Tuesday. He calls upon Catholics in America and in Europe, to resist the world's intolerance of Christianity. (Read more)

Glorify God by your life: evangelization and the renewal of the liturgy
June 24, 2010 (Mundelein, Illinois) - Archbishop Chaput delivered the following remarks during the annual Hillenbrand Lecture, sponsored by The Liturgical Institute at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary. He reflects on questions of evangelization and the renewal of Catholic liturgy. He examines the key issues of today’s liturgical worship within the context of American culture. Where does the Catholic liturgy fit in a culture which prizes technology, science and material proof, but has lost the vocabulary to understand humanity’s oldest and deepest need: faith in an unseen God? (read full text)

A reply to Professor Diotallevi
April 21, 2010 - On March 1, Archbishop Chaput delivered an address to the Houston Baptist University about the vocation of Christians in America public life. Italian sociologist Professor Diotallevi later criticized Archbishop Chaput for his negative analysis of John F. Kennedy. Archbishop wrote a further rebuttal of Diotallevi's comments, published by blogger Sandro Magister. Click here to read the full text.

The Vocation of Christians in American Public Life
March 1, 2010 - At Houston Baptist University on March 1, Archbishop Chaput spoke about the vocation of Christians in America public life. The talk follows fifty years after Sen. John F. Kennedy, then the Democratic candidate for president, spoke to the Greater Houston Ministerial Association. (Read full text)

The Prince of This World and the Evangelization of Culture
Jan. 27, 2010 - Archbishop delivered the following address at the Fifth Symposium Rome: Priests and Laity on Mission (read full remarks)

Archbishop Chaput: Manhattan Declaration will ‘galvanize’ Christians in difficult times
December 7, 2009 (Catholic News Agency) - Archbishop Chaput recently signed the Manhattan Declaration, a 4,700-word declaration addressing the sanctity of life, traditional marriage, and religious liberty. In this exclusive interview with Catholic News Agency, Archbishop Chaput explained his reasons for signing it. (Read full interview).

Envoy of the Year Acceptance Remarks
Oct. 8, 2009 - Archbishop Chaput accepted the Envoy of the Year Award during an awards banquet in Belmont, North Carolina. His acceptance remarks praised Belmont Abbey College for standing up for its “right to be Catholic,” and encouraged others to follow suit. (read more)

Politics, morality, and a president: an American view
October 8, 2009 - Catholic News Agency recently reported on Archbishop Chaput of Denver's contestation of positive assertions made by Cardinal Georges Cottier about President Obama's appearance at Notre Dame in May of 2009. Cardinal Cottier's original reflections were published in July 2009 in the international Catholic magazine "30 Days." (read more)

Public Life and the Lay Vocation
Sept. 26, 2009 (Mexico City) - A symposium entitled: "Voices: The Lay State and Religious Liberty" gathered religious liberty experts from throughout North America to analyze this fundamental human right as defined in international human rights law. Archbishop was unable to attend the symposium, but his spokesperson Luis Soto delivered the following remarks. The Voices Symposium was organized by the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, under the auspices of the Archdiocese of Mexico and sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. (read more)

Catholics and the "Fourth Estate"
Aug. 12, 2009 (Legatus Group, Florida) - When it comes to media consumption, Archbishop Chaput warns that we should watch what we eat. (read more)

Catholics and the "Fourth Estate"
July 8, 2009 (Legatus Group, Colorado Springs) - In light of President Obama's upcoming visit to the Vatican, Archbishop Chaput invited Catholics to take in the resulting media coverage, and by extension, media coverage of the Catholic Church in general, with a watchful eye and discerning ear. (read more)

Archbishop Chaput on Notre Dame and the issues that remain
May 18, 2009 - Against a backdrop of protest and divided opinion, the University of Notre Dame welcomed President Obama to Sunday's graduation ceremony, first granting him an honorary degree before introducing him as official commencement speaker. The archbishop offers some thoughts on the event... (read more)

Canterbury Award Acceptance Remarks
May 7, 2009 (Becket Fund for Religious Liberty) - Every year, the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty awards the Canterbury Medal to the person who has "most resolutely refused to render to Caesar that which is God's." Archbishop Chaput accepted this honor in 2009 (read more).

Thoughts on the Mission of Paul
May 7, 2009 (American Bible Society) - Archbishop Chaput considers the question: "What lessons can we learn from Paul about our own mission as Christians in today's society?" (Read more)

New Life in Christ: What it looks like, what it demands
April 30, 2009 (Edmonton, Canada)

Evangelizing the Culture - Lessons from November, lessons from St. Paul
March 21, 2009 (Detroit, MI) - Archbishop delivered the following address during the Year of St. Paul Conference at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, Michigan. He comments on the recent 2008 presidential elections, and highlights the many parallels between the culture of today and the cultural trends that Saint Paul experienced throughout his missions. (read more)

Address to Pew Forum of Religion & Public Life
March 17, 2009 (Washington, D.C.) - Archbishop Charles J. Chaput addressed prominent journalists, beginning with a discussion of media coverage of the Catholic Church, and then continued with reflections on the political obligations of Catholics. (read more)

Giving the nation the best we have
U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO
March 9, 2009 - Archbishop addresses Catholic cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, telling them the military profession is “honorable” and urging them to become virtuous leaders who serve their country best by serving God first.

What happens in Connecticut matters here
Web statement, Denver, CO
March 9, 2009 - In a special web statement, Archbishop Chaput urges Colorado Catholics to help Catholic community in Connecticut fight anti-Catholic bigotry. In early March 2009, two Connecticut lawmakers introduced Senate Bill 1098 that would order the Catholic community to rewrite its governance structures. The bill aims to effectively strip bishops and pastors of their authority to govern parishes...(read more)

Character & Circumstance
Toronto, Canada
Feb. 24, 2009 - Archbishop Chaput delivered the following lecture to a large gathering of Catholic Business Leaders and public officials at St. Paul’s Basilica in downtown Toronto.

Rendering unto Caesar: The Catholic political vocation
Toronto, Canada
Feb. 23, 2009 - Archbishop Chaput delivered the following lecture to a standing-room only audience in St. Basil’s Collegiate Church on the campus of the University of Toronto.

"Building and promoting a Culture of Life: an American view"
Human Life International, Ireland
Feb. 8, 2009 - Archbishop Chaput offers the Irish pro-life movement a list of "dos" and "don'ts," developed in response to the American pro-life movement. He offers these pastoral guidelines to anyone before strategizing future action towards protection of the unborn.

"Render unto Caesar: personal faith and public duty"
John Paul II Society, Ireland
Feb. 7, 2009 - Archbishop Chaput brings his message of informed Catholic Christian conscience, and its importance within political and public arena, to the Catholic community of Ireland.

Thoughts on a 'new beginning,' and an old truth
January 28, 2009
Denver Catholic Register

Let your voice supporting life be heard
January 21, 2009
Denver Catholic Register

Statement on President-elect Obama
Nov. 5, 2008 - Archbishop Chaput and Auxiliary Bishop Conley offer their prayers and congratulations to the newly elected President of the United States, while also asking for sincere dedication to the defense and protection of life at all stages.

A clarification for people of the Church in northern Colorado on the personhood of the unborn child
Oct. 8, 2008 - In light of news reports of comments by Governor Bill Ritter on personhood, the Denver bishops released this clarification. In related news, the Colorado Bishops’ released a statement on June 5, 2008 regarding Amendment 48, known as the “Personhood Amendment.” Visit the Colorado Catholic Conference's Web site to read the June 5 statement. 

The Catholic charge: Reform laws to respect the sanctity of human life
September 24, 2008
Denver Catholic Register

"Public servants and moral reasoning: a notice to the Catholic community of northern Colorado"
Sept 8, 2008 (Archden.org) - Archbishop Chaput and Auxiliary Bishop James Conley released this letter in reaffirmation of the importance of informed moral reasoning when discerning public action, especially in regard to Catholics who serve their country on the national stage.

"On the separation of sense and state: a clarification for the people of the Church of northern Colorado"
Aug. 25, 2008 (Archden.org) - Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. and his auxiliary bishop, James D. Conley, address an online letter regarding the Catholic Church's constant teaching condemning abortion as always gravely evil.

On the courage to be Christian
August 20, 2008
Denver Catholic Register

"Archbishop Chaput comments on "Roman Catholics for Obama"
May 19, 2008 (Archden.org) - The group "Roman Catholics for Obama '08" quoted Archbishop Charles Chaput's January 16 Denver Catholic Register column, "10 points for Catholic citizens to remember."  According to Archbishop Chaput, the group's use of his words is accurate -- and curiously incomplete.

"The role of the priest in public life"
April 30, 2008 (First Things: The Journal of Religion, Culture and Public Life)

"Archbishop Chaput offers reflection points on faithful Catholic citizenship"
Denver, Feb. 11, 2008 (Formal address) - In anticipation of the release of his upcoming book "Render Unto Caesar," Archbishop Chaput delivered the following address to an Open House put on by Denver's Augustine Institute. Archbishop Chaput reflects in particular on two quotations, which not only inspired his writing, but which also closely relate to the mission of Denver's Augustine Institute.

"Protecting the Church's freedom in Colorado"
Feb. 6, 2008 (First Things: The Journal of Religion, Culture and Public Life)

"HB: 1080: How to write a really bad bill"
Jan. 23, 2008 (DCR)

"Red Mass Homily"
Phoenix, Jan. 23, 2008 (Homily/Address)

"10 points for Catholic citizens to remember"
Jan. 16, 2008 (DCR)

"Catholic identity in the American public square: better citizens, more faithful Catholics"
New Orleans, Jan. 11, 2008 (Formal address) - Archbishop Chaput provides ten helpful principles to guide Catholics in their political action.

"News from Iowa: the media simply don't 'get' religion"
Jan. 9, 2008 (DCR)

"Church and state today: what belongs to Caesar, and what doesn't"
Queens, NY - Oct. 26, 2007 (Formal address) - Archbishop Chaput, in an address to St. John University, considers the similarities between Roman culture in the time of Christ, and our society today. He examines how the Christian example, when both preached and lived, can lead to conversion towards truth and the resurrection of a culture of life. In particular, he touches upon the need to "live" the Way of Christ in all contexts, including the political ones.

"Now is the time to reflect on what it means to be 'Catholic' and our decision-making as citizens"
Oct. 10, 2007 (DCR)

"Religious tolerance & the common good"
New York, May 22, 2007 - Archbishop Chaput delivered the following presentation during the Path to Peace Foundation Seminar "Catholic Students and the Common Good: Building a Better World."

"Religion and the common good"
Philadelphia, April 21, 2007 (Formal address) - Archbishop Chaput presented this lecture at a conference on the Common Good conducted by the John Cardinal Krol Chair of Moral Theology at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Overbrook. It is printed here with the permission of the Krol Chair.

"Ritter now faces the hard part of governorship: governing"
Jan. 17, 2007 (DCR)

"Seeing clearly"
Garden Grove, CA, Dec. 7, 2006 (Formal address) - To a crowd of nearly 700 people gathered at the first annual Orange County Prayer Breakfast, Archbishop Chaput spoke of the meaning of Christmas, the meaning of democracy, and the meaning of the call to be witnesses to Jesus Christ in the world. Knowing the meaning of these, he said, is "to see clearly."

"Message of the people clear on Amendment 43, Referendum I"
Nov. 15, 2006 (DCR) - A final vote on both of these measures revealed that the majority of Coloradoans wished to protect traditional marriage, and to prevent other marriage-like structures.

"Seven principles to use in the public square, both in and out of an election year"
Nov. 1, 2006 (DCR)

"Colorado bishops urge Catholic community to support marriage"
Oct. 28-29, 2006 (Letter/Formal Address) - The bishops of Colorado, through the Colorado Catholic Conference, urged the Catholic people of Colorado to seriously reflect on the important place of marriage in our society. This letter was read in parishes throughout the state on October 22, 2006.

"In mass media and courts, some religions less equal than others"
Oct. 11, 2006 (DCR) - Archbishop Chaput reiterates the right, and the duty, that all Catholics have to form their public actions as guided by their faith.

"How we act on public policy will shape Colorado's future"
July 19, 2006 (DCR)

"Hope and its daughters"
Washington, D.C. - May 20, 2005 (Formal Address) - Archbishop Chaput delivered the following address at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast. In it, he once again urges Christians to use their gifts in every way possible for the glory of God and the common good, particularly by active, faithful participation in public life.

"Catholics must protect soul, help shape future of the American experiment"
Aug. 3, 2005 (DCR)

"Faith in the public square"
Denver, March 1, 2005 (Formal address) - Archbishop Chaput gave the following address to the City Club of Denver. In it, he reasserted the importance of public witness by Catholics on issues of public concern.

"Faith and patriotism"
Denver, Oct. 22, 2004 (New York Times)

"Silence of the faithful is cowardice"
Oct. 22, 2004 (Rocky Mountain News) - Archbishop Chaput authors this op-ed, originally published by the Rocky Mountain News. In it, he corrects recent media coverage of his position on stem-cell research, and once again reiterates the right of every Catholic to take part in public, political discussions.

"Americans are 'one nation' because of our belief in God"
Oct. 13, 2004 (DCR)

"Divided hearts: Americans, religion and national policy"
Denver, Oct. 7, 2004 (Formal address) - Archbishop Chaput gave the following address in honor of Religious Institutions Law Day.

"Issues surrounding 2004 national election"
ORIGINAL TRANSCRIPT (click here)
Oct. 6, 2004 (New York Times) - In this interview with the New York Times, Archbishop Chaput discusses the issues surrounding the 2004 presidential elections. Readers are invited to compare the interview's original transcript to the formally published New York Times story, as certain pieces of the original text were reprinted out of context.

"Preparing ourselves to make an informed choice"
Sept. 29, 2004 (DCR)

"Let's make a deal: Catholic conscience and compromise"
Sept. 22, 2004 (DCR)

"It's a matter of honesty: to receive Communion, we need to be in communion"
May 26, 2004 (DCR) - Archbishop Chaput writes that if we claim to be Catholic, we need to act like it - all the way, all the time, without excuses.

"Thanks for all the help, you religious folks - now pipe down"
May 5, 2004 (DCR) - Archbishop Chaput once again writes about why faith is, and belongs, at the center of the public square.

"What Vatican II did, and didn't, teach about conscience"
April 21, 2004 (DCR) - Archbishop Chaput writes of how elections and voting booths are never `faith-free' zones.

"How to tell a duck from a fox"
April 14, 2004 (DCR) - Archbishop Chaput instructs Catholics on how to think with the Church in anticipation of the 2004 presidential elections.

"Pondering a lesson in politics and religious identity"
Feb. 11, 2004 (DCR) - Archbishop Chaput writes that if we really mean the Nicene Creed, then we need to act like it.

"Some things change, some things really don't"
July 30, 2003 (DCR) - Archbishop Chaput comments on anti-Catholic sentiment felt during the committee debate surrounding the nomination of a practicing Catholic, William H. Pryor, to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

"Citizenship, community and public life"
Denver, Jan. 9, 2003 (Formal address) - Archbishop Chaput gave the following address on American democracy and public action to the Colorado Legatus Society.

"Looking back on Election Day"
November 27, 2002 (DCR) - Archbishop Chaput offers some final thoughts following the outcome of the 2002 presidential elections.

"Election 2002"
Denver, Nov. 2, 2002 (Formal address) - The following letter was read at all Archdiocese of Denver parishes over the weekend of Nov. 2-3, 2002. In it, Archbishop asserts that a wall of separation can never exist between faith and civic choices.

"Election is tale of two virtues"
Oct. 30, 2002 (DCR) - Archbishop Chaput suggests prudence and courage to guide Catholics at the voting booth.

"Renewing our public lives"
Denver, Oct. 10, 2002 (Formal address) - Archbishop Chaput gave the following address to the Denver Rotary Club at the Denver Athletic Club. In it, he paints a picture of good and virtuous leadership.

"God asks us to be his witnesses, even in the voting booth"
Oct. 18, 2000 (DCR)

"American and Catholic: Thoughts on responsible citizenship"
Oct. 11, 2000 (DCR)

"Ex Corde Ecclesiæ: from the heart of the Church"
April 19, 1999 (DCR)

"Political scandal: private character and public leaders"
Dallas, Oct. 28, 1998 (Homily/Address) - Archbishop Chaput gave the following homily during the St. Thomas More Society Red Mass, an annual Mass which honors Catholics who serve in the political sphere as lawyers and other public officials.

"Gay-rights ordinances: Bringing a love for justice and a love for truth to the ballot box"
Oct. 28, 1998 (DCR)