Former congressman Dan Lipinski addressed approximately 150 judges, lawyers, and other attendees at the annual Red Mass banquet on Thursday, Sept. 26, in Good Shepherd Hall at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita. Lipinski, a socially conservative Democrat from Illinois, discussed the divisive state of American politics and the role of Catholic identity in public service.

Lipinski is currently serving as the Pope Leo XIII Fellow on Social Thought at the University of Dallas. During his speech, he shared his experiences in Congress, including his opposition to taxpayer funding for abortion and efforts to protect religious liberty. He also touched upon how his party's support for abortion led to losing his seat.

After being introduced, Lipinski asked attendees to raise their hands if they had a law degree. He remarked humorously: “I came very close to going to law school 35 years ago. And I like to say that I didn’t go to law school because I did not want to be part of a profession considered by many to be dishonest and unethical. So, I went into politics.”

Lipinski emphasized the need for guidance from the Holy Spirit due to widespread fear about current times. He recounted an interaction with a former colleague who shifted from Evangelical Christianity to non-denominational Protestantism due to seeing faith serve politics among Evangelicals. His colleague believed this contributed to national division and church fragmentation.

“This comment didn’t completely surprise me," said Lipinski, "but then he said something that really did surprise me. This Protestant told me that his hope for our nation to overcome the highly problematic divide now lies in the Catholic Church.” Lipinski found this statement remarkable given America's anti-Catholic history.

“I know that Catholics are the hope for a nation,” he stated, “but only if we have the courage to be Catholic first.”

He pointed out how partisanship endangers society: “Partisan identity is so powerful for some people that not only does it determine or change their policy preferences as they choose their party... but it can also change their self-identified religion, class, or sexual orientation.”

Lipinski clarified he did not suggest all political party members are sectarian but noted an increasing number are eliminating real debate and compromise necessary for democracy.

Reflecting on his time representing a district with many Reagan Democrats—voters pro-life, anti-communist concerned about taxes and crime—he mentioned these voters were dwindling: “They called themselves Democrats but had no problem voting for a Republican.”

Despite disagreements with fellow Democrats on issues like marriage and religious freedom, Lipinski maintained confidence in re-election through strong constituent service.

His record was described as strongly pro-life while also supporting unions and environmental causes. Often approached by constituents who identified him as voting Catholic—a compliment initially but later seen critically—he attributed his stance consistently: “It was and is because of God’s grace and unique gifts of the Catholic faith."

Catholics have millennia of thought guided by the Holy Spirit about living out their mission publicly: “This includes not just how we love God personally but also how we’re to serve common good,” he said.

Emphasizing social teachings rooted in respecting human life dignity foundationally guiding principles; promoting family welfare poor workers creation care critical: "One other gift that Catholic Church gives us explicit teaching basic right religious liberty Americans guaranteed First Amendment free exercise although often falsely referred freedom worship."

Post-congressional career saw him targeted within Democratic Party shifting away traditional values towards embracing pro-abortion policies ultimately contributing loss seat after surviving initial challenge during 2018 primary heavily funded opposition painting heretic enemy within own ranks finally conceding amidst ongoing identity crisis resolved reaffirmed commitment advocacy vulnerable populations particularly unborn children bringing unexpected peace defeat following supportive outreach post-defeat experience reflecting resilient faith journey amid challenging sociopolitical landscape today's Catholics facing greater difficulties living faithful lives across professions needing special sustenance overcoming adversity staying true core beliefs navigating complex modern world dynamics