Bishop Barron speaks with Catholic Union on participation in public life

Bishop Barron addresses reception in Parliament on Monday Image ICN/JS

Bishop Robert Barron gave an exclusive interview to the Catholic Union this week about the challenges and opportunities for Catholics in engaging in public life. Bishop Barron said Christians were called to "address the moral issues of the day" such as beginning and end of life care, and care for the poor and marginalised in society.

In his interview with Catholic Union Deputy Director, James Somerville-Meikle, Bishop Barron called on Catholics to get involved in politics as "happy warriors". "The laity are called to sanctify the world" he said, and "one way of doing that is through political action."

Bishop Barron spoke about his home country of the United States where citizens pledge allegiance as one nation under God. He said this needed to be taken seriously as "when God is lost, our politics is lost."

Bishop Barron, who is Catholic Bishop of Winona-Rochester (USA) and Founder of Word on Fire Ministries, is in London for a week-long visit being organised by Catholic Voices.

The theme for the visit has been the contribution of Christianity to the public conversation. Earlier in the week, Bishop Barron addressed religious and civic leaders in a speech in Parliament. He also met the Prime Minister's senior adviser on community and faith engagement in No 10 Downing Street, and celebrated Mass in the Chapel of St Mary Undercroft in Parliament.

On Saturday he will be leading Sharing the Church's Story - a one day Conference at the QE2 Centre in London. For more information and tickets see: www.tickettailor.com/events/bishopbarronuktour/643942

James Somerville-Meikle, said: "It's been a great joy having Bishop Barron in London this week. I know his words have inspired many people, especially those of us engaged in public life. Bishop Barron has reminded us of the wonderful Christian heritage we have in this country, not least the fact that our national flag bears three crosses - once the symbol of fear and oppression, now the symbol of hope and love. I was delighted to have the chance to sit down with Bishop Barron to talk about Catholic engagement in public life. It's a subject the Bishop has a lot to contribute to and I hope people enjoy listening to the conversation."

LINKS

See the full interview with Bishop Robert Barron on YouTube here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EdL1QE-V34

Bishop Robert Barron: www.dowr.org/bishop-barron/index.html

Word on Fire Ministries: www.wordonfire.org

Catholic Union: www.catholicunion.org.uk

Catholic Voices: www.catholicvoices.org.uk