Q: Here in Canada where I live, abortion and assisted suicide are provided free of charge, paid for by our taxes. As a Catholic should I refuse to file/pay taxes? Are we accomplices in these crimes simply by paying our taxes? — Mike

Answered by Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC

A: It’s good that you feel compelled to do something about the evils being supported by the government.

The short answer is: No, we aren’t accomplices just because we pay taxes.

This assumes, of course, that our intention is not to support abortion or assisted suicide.

Though the issue is complex, you could or should pay taxes for two reasons.

First, your individual financial contribution to government coffers is so small that it won’t significantly support the evil practices.

Second, refusing to pay taxes could trigger social and political unrest that could make the situation worse.

A better route might be to network with other pro-lifers to lobby public officials for a change in the laws, and to support alternative programs such as pro-life crisis pregnancy centers, etc.

If you absolutely feel that you cannot pay taxes in good conscience, you can follow your conscience. But be prepared for the consequences, including legal prosecution and even jail time.

For related reading, see the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, particularly its section on “The right to conscientious objection” and “The right to resist.”

Note two of the criteria about resisting: “2) all other means of redress have been exhausted, 3) such resistance will not provoke worse disorders.”

I hope some of this helps. Count on my prayers.