Patriotism | Resolutions

Substitute to resolutions 56, 135,
310, 326, 342 and 347

Our Commitment to Patriotism

      WHEREAS, since 1900 the Knights of Columbus has recognized patriotism as the fourth principle of the Order in each of the countries where we are organized; and

      WHEREAS, the Knights of Columbus shares the Church’s conviction that our obligation to shape the moral character of society is a requirement of our faith and a basic part of the mission we have received from Jesus Christ; and

      WHEREAS, the principle of solidarity calls us to foster the ties that unite people and social groups so that we are willing to go beyond our individual interests and give of ourselves for the good of our neighbor; and

      WHEREAS, the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that it is morally obligatory to exercise the right to vote, to defend one’s country, and to offer prayers for all who exercise authority; and

      WHEREAS, in his encyclical Lumen Fidei, Pope Francis underscored the importance of faith in public life because it helps “create just forms of government, in the realization that authority comes from God and is meant for the service of the common good”; and

      WHEREAS, Saint John Paul II defined patriotism as “a love for everything to do with our native land: its history, its traditions, its language[s], and its natural features. It is a love which extends also to the works of our compatriots”; and

      WHEREAS, a sense of pride and allegiance to one’s country is crucial in helping form good citizens who demonstrate an appreciation for the gifts God has given to the nation; and

      WHEREAS, Pope Benedict XVI reminded us that patriotism is not intended to extinguish the history or traditions of individual constituent groups within a country, but rather to “bind them together in a higher fellowship to form one single community of peoples”; and

      WHEREAS, patriotism calls us to be active members of our society, respecting the authority of our government and its leaders, while still calling attention to instances of oppression or injustice; and

      WHEREAS, the Knights of Columbus recognizes that national anthems evoke feelings of national pride and instill a sense of hope and patriotism in individuals and groups; and

      WHEREAS, national anthems frequently remind a nation of sacrifices made on its behalf and express respect for the history and the struggles that led to the founding of the nation.

      NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Knights of Columbus reaffirms its commitment to patriotism as our fourth principle of the Order; and

      FURTHER RESOLVED, that we pledge ourselves to vigorous participation on behalf of the Church in our communities, acting in both the private and public spheres to bring the light of Christ’s salvation into human affairs; and

      FURTHER RESOLVED, that as faithful citizens guided by the light of faith and the social doctrine of the Church, we rededicate ourselves to building a Culture of Life through advocacy on behalf of the poor, the marginalized, and the voiceless; and

      FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Knights of Columbus expresses it unequivocal support for the playing of national anthems at all appropriate public events as a way to demonstrate respect for the nation and create strong bonds of unity and solidarity among diverse groups of citizens and people.