During the next few weeks, the California legislature will focus on the state budget. With a supermajority, California Democrats will be in full control of the process but it is unlikely to be smooth sailing for them.
State tax revenue is coming in significantly below projections. A recently enacted gas tax increase has put some Democrats on the hot seat. Even within the Democratic Party business interests have helped elect more “moderate” Democrats who do not always have the same priorities as the state party.
Perhaps, most importantly, Governor Brown has been determined to get the state’s fiscal house in order before the end of his final term and what very well might be his farewell to elected public service.
No one likes taxes but they are inescapable in modern society.
So what does the Church teach about taxation and our duty to pay them? What is the moral dimension of paying taxes and taxation? What does the Church teach about the requirements of government in the use of such tax revenues? And, in the case of taxes being used for injustice, are we obliged to pay taxes at all?
As Jesus says, “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God” (Mk 12:17). Complimenting this duty of citizens, in this partnership for the common good between citizens and the state authorities, the Church teaches us that the state is obligated to act in prudence toward the upholding of a just social order for the common good, including the prudent and moral use of tax revenue.
As members of society, we are morally required to obey legitimate authority and just laws, as well as to do our part for the common good through paying taxes among other means. (CCC 2240) Additionally, and arising from this same responsibility, we find that tax evasion to be morally illicit (CCC 2409).
Great care must be given to the planning, collection, dedication, and distribution of taxes to ensure conformity to justice, sound reasoning and the common good. While it is true that due to sin, ignorance and human weakness, some laws and state actions may be unjust. As long as we do not share the intention of the unjust action, our material cooperation with these evils through paying taxes is remote enough to free us from any direct guilt. Furthermore, the greater obligation toward the common good still requires us to pay taxes. We ought, in these cases, to work for a more just society through other legitimate means.
In summary, the duty to pay taxes arises from humanity’s natural requirement to live in an ordered and just society, which necessitates civil authority. Indeed, Our Lord, the Church and sacred scripture (Mk 12:17, Rom 13:1 -7) teach us that while our worship and greatest allegiance belongs to God alone, in whose image we are created, the payment of taxes is morally obligatory under the virtue of justice, to pay to each their due.
Full story at California Catholic Conference.
Interesting how scripture-quoting (Mk.12:17, Rom. 13:1-7) and how very exacting our dear well-funded and well-benefited bishops become when they wish to make it imperative to fund the Great Socialist State. Not too much concern for the burden placed on the backs of the ordinary taxpayer.
However, Matt 19:4-10, on marriage only between a man and a woman and its indissolubility—well, that is all relative and subject to personal interpretation, you know.
Yes, I also thought their statement to be a bit odd as well.
Yes, so the legislature as they did last year….give a 40% increase to Planned Parenthood!!!!!!
OK Bishops why don’t you start kicking in……while you live in your paid for residences …There will be justice when government is reduced to the size of a pin
Let us not forget that our ‘Legislators’ increased Planned Parenthood’s budget this past year by 40% !!!!!!
A disgrace!!!!!!
How utterly brilliant. “Give to Caesar what is due Caesar” – but these same bishops scream for conscientious objectors to rise up and “disrupt” the current Administration when the policies violate the tender sensibilities of the California Bishops’ Conference. HYPOCRITES. Is anyone else seeing the social engineering masquerading as “pastoral” guidance. This is beyond exhausting. It’s obvious a few key bishop’s who guide the Conference and the other spineless followers have morally left the priesthood. Next you’ll run for office. I’m sure you’ll run on the Democratic platform – at least that’s what your actions indicate!
Where does the Church teach “the Church teaches us that the state is obligated to act in prudence toward the upholding of a just social order for the common good, including the prudent and moral use of tax revenue.”
A good message that hopefully will not be missed and unread by those working under the table.
And the Legislators gave 40% more to the budget of Planned Parenthood!
SICK!!!!!!
If I could, I would pay not taxes what would go Federally or State wise to the killing of little babies!!!
The Pharisees of Jesus’ time still exist. Only the name has changed. Now, they are called Bishops, Archbishops and Cardinals.
I found that the easiest way to stop paying for things that cry out to heaven was to leave California. The writing has been in the wall for a long time.
Mike, some of us native Californians would like to leave, but cannot do so. We have seen our state ruined a piece at a time — often from outsiders. Please pray for us.
Interesting. First we were all called to disrupt. Now in face of ever higher taxes we are to fold. I guess it all depends on whose government grant is getting gored.
I will start paying some reasonable tax once the state stops murdering babies and destroying families with their satanic gender bending and homosex agendas. And until the bishops repent and convert, they won’t see a dime from me either; just my prayers.