What ethical and moral principles guide your behaviour?

Leela M Ramdeen

Leela Ramdeen, Consultant, Trinidad and Tobago Catholic Commission for Social Justice & Attorney-at-Law writes:

Albert Camus's statement is noteworthy. He said: "A man without ethics is a wild beast loosed upon this world." As a Catholic, there are a number of guiding ethical and moral principles that exist to guide my behaviour. They influence how I make decisions and how I live my life.

We are all encouraged to respond to the universal call to holiness. On our road to sainthood, each of us must constantly ask: "Do my actions align with my morals and values?" Because of human frailty, many of us, including me, sometimes stumble and fall. However, we are challenged to get up, dust ourselves and try to get back on track. My moral compass comprises, for example:

- The Ten Commandments;

- The Catechism of the Catholic Church, which outlines the Church's interpretation of the commandments and the Church's position on moral topics;

- The Sermon on the Mount which begins with the Beatitudes (see last week's Gospel - Matthew 5-7). Jesus tells us how to live a life that is based on love, integrity, compassion, forgiveness, and humility. He addresses issues of justice and equality. Love of God and neighbour are at the center of the Beatitudes;

- The teaching of the Magisterium, i.e., the Pope and bishops in communion with him. This teaching provides the official, authorised interpretation of moral law, scripture, and tradition, and is essential for the formation of a "well-formed" conscience.

Major religions, and persons who do not hold a religious faith, also have guiding principles, some of which overlap, eg, The Golden Rule. However, there are certain beliefs that are contrary to the teaching of the Catholic Church, e.g., moral relativism - the belief that there are no universal, objective moral truths. Pope Benedict XVI warned against the "dictatorship of relativism", which denies absolute truths, prioritising individual ego over enduring moral standards. Catholics believe that right and wrong are not subjective and cannot be based on personal choices.

The need to ensure that ethical and moral principles underpin our conduct applies to all of us. Sadly, as we reflect on leadership and governance, locally and globally, we recognise that we are in crisis, due in part to abuse of power and systemic corruption. We need leaders with integrity who will do what is right, even when no one is watching. Remember, ethics go beyond legal compliance and include, e.g., social responsibility.

The erroneous statement made some time ago that "Politics has a morality of its own" may be the reason why some global leaders/politicians continue to trample on the dignity and rights of millions, and why they are prioritising self-serving, personal gain over public good. Jeffrey Sachs, economist and public policy analyst reminds us that: "The ultimate goal of politics and ethics should be human well-being."

Leaders should reflect on the characteristics of an ethical leader, which include: integrity, respect, humility, responsibility, honesty, transparency, accountability, stewardship/service, love, prudence, justice, fortitude, temperance, trust, empathy, courage , inclusion, equality/equity, kindness, compassion, generosity, open communication.

Integrity builds character and helps us to understand our responsibilities. Lack of integrity among leaders can erode public trust, lead to inequality/inequity, and can hinder sustainable development and economic growth. Principled ethical values must be embedded into governance structures, as well as checks and balances, monitoring and evaluation procedures - to ensure compliance.

While we look to our leaders to be guided by morals and ethics, each of us has a duty to help build the common good; to help to create conditions so that everyone can flourish. Small steps matter. We cannot allow our consciences to be anaesthetised. In a world that desperately needs people of goodwill to step up, speak out and take action where we can, there is no room for apathy. I am so proud of the thousands around the world who are protesting policies and practices that are unjust. Integrity requires sacrifice. Many are enduring subzero temperatures to make their voices heard. Remember the words of, e.g.:

Archbishop Desmond Tutu, South African Human Rights Activist and Nobel Peace Prize Winner: "If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor."

Martin Luther King Jr: "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

Marianne Williamson, American author, speaker, and political activist: "Democracy isn't just about our rights, it's about our responsibilities."

Let's build a culture of integrity and do as Pope Francis advised - live authentically by aligning actions with strong moral values.