Moral Authority and Moral Leadership: What is it and who has it?

October 27, 2008 In these times of astounding financial concerns, environmental degradation and world poverty, the people of God can become immobilized. We sometimes feel stuck by not knowing what to do.

It is precisely in these difficult times, we are called to respond with even more vigor and commitment. We dig deep and examine our moral authority. Moral authority is the authority that we have been given at our baptism, through our relationships with God and each other. It belongs to each of us.

Moral leadership is what we are called by God to do. It is the fulfilling of the promises we make in our baptism. Taking moral leadership is what we do when we know we are not for ourselves alone. Moral leadership is the action that God requires of us to fulfill the promises we make at our baptism. It is leadership inspired by God and built upon the vulnerability of the cross and the hope and courage we find in the resurrection.