AN EXEMPLAR OF PUBLIC SERVICE

 

AN EXEMPLAR OF PUBLIC SERVICE

The world is mourning the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, who reigned over the United Kingdom for more than seventy years.  She was known for her graciousness, her love of country, and her dedication to the British people.  There was a period during her reign when the many scandals of the royal family caused some to question the practical value of the monarchy.  Queen Elizabeth remained above the scandals and her steady leadership preserved the constitutional monarchy.  She stayed outside of politics while continuing to meet weekly in private meetings with the serving Prime Minister. 

I am not a royals watcher – my interest is more focused on the Phillies and the Eagles – but I saw enough to admire the Queen’s tireless dedication, even in the waning years of her long life (she met with the new Prime Minister two days before her death).  She had the reputation of always putting the interests of the Kingdom before her personal interests, in the manner of a true servant.  She lived up to the promise she made shortly after ascending to the throne.  Speaking of changes in the organization of the Commonwealth, she said it “bears no resemblance to the Empires of the past.  It is an entirely new conception, built on the highest qualities of the spirit of man: friendship, loyalty and the desire for freedom and peace. To that new conception of an equal partnership of nations and races I shall give myself heart and soul every day of my life.”  Throughout her long reign the UK experienced grave challenges, including economic hardship, labor strife, the “troubles” over Ireland, Brexit, and more.  In an era of change she stood as a stabilizing national symbol of unity and peace. 

Ours is a very different form of government but our leaders would do well to imitate the model of leadership which Queen Elizabeth II provided, including her witness to the Christian faith.  She honored God in her annual Christmas messages.  For example, in 2011 she told her people that “Although we are capable of great acts of kindness, history teaches us that we sometimes need saving from ourselves – from our recklessness or our greed.  God sent into the world a unique person – neither a philosopher nor a general, important though they are, but a Savior, with the power to forgive.  Forgiveness lies at the heart of the Christian faith.  It can heal broken families, it can restore friendships, and it can reconcile divided communities.  It is in forgiveness that we feel the power of God’s love.”  How refreshing to hear such truth from a modern world leader!

Queen Elizabeth maintained what was essential while exercising a willingness to adapt to changing realities.  This assured the relevance of the monarchy.  She dealt with the selfish foibles of her immediate and extended family in private as best she could and prevented them from undermining the royal establishment.  While holding to her convictions she showed flexibility when it was needful, for example, in the decision to grant Princess Diana a royal funeral, in recognition of the will of the British public.  It would be good for America if her leaders showed the same kind of prudence and willingness to compromise for the greater good.

The Church affirms in her magisterium what should be obvious to all, that authority is necessary for the proper functioning of human society.  It is necessary for the common good and should be understood as derivative of divine authority.  All who exercise authority are ultimately accountable to God.  The Church teaches that it is a noble thing to seek public office when the motivation is to honestly serve the common good.  Ideologues are not suitable for public office because they are easily deceived by the prism through which they view the world.  The Catechism teaches that a diversity of political regimes is morally acceptable when “they serve the legitimate goods of the communities that adopt them.”  It recommends a balance of powers in government and pays “tribute to those nations whose systems permit the largest possible number of the citizens to take part in public life in a climate of genuine freedom.”  In my opinion, the United States and the world would be better off if we had more leaders with the quality of character exhibited by Queen Elizabeth II during her long reign.  May she rest in peace!