Bishop's appeal to Catholics in the coming election - the crucial issues are moral and social

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I write this letter to you as bishop and pastor of the Diocese, and  
ask that it be read at all Masses this weekend. I wish to place  
before all Catholic people some considerations in view of the coming  
Federal election.

We enjoy as Australians all the benefits and freedoms of a modern  
democratic society. Among them is our right to vote into office those  
candidates whom we judge worthy to represent
us at the highest levels of public decision making in the land.
It is the people’s vote, yours and mine, which will in turn give the  
successful candidate the vote he or she will exercise in determining  
matters of policy and law in the parliamentary term ahead.

During the campaign we have had ample opportunity to scrutinise  
policy proposals on the range of subjects of current concern:  
management of the economy, asylum seekers, health and education, the  
environment and so on. We have also been learning more about the  
ideas and aspirations of the candidates standing in our electorate.
Aside from their policy statements, even more importantly we should  
be asking ourselves what sort of human and social values characterise  
our local candidates. What sort of beliefs do they espouse? What sort  
of values do they hold especially in regard to marriage and the  
family, in regard to the dignity and sanctity of human life? Is this  
candidate pro-life? Does he or she reflect the thinking and conduct  
of a person to whom I am happy, in conscience before
God, to confide my vote?

Politicians have differing and variable views as to the great moral  
issues of our times. Consistent with twenty centuries of clear  
Christian belief we cannot ignore the enormous moral and social  
consequence of condoning the deliberate destruction of unborn human  
life.

Every day in Australia the lives of some 250 defenceless children are  
extinguished before they have the chance to see the light of day.  
That averages about one abortion every six minutes,
somewhere in our country. There are two abortion clinics in our  
diocese. This unhappy reality continues because our laws permit easy  
access to this death-dealing procedure, including
its public funding through Medicare.

Most Australians when asked say that there are far too many  
abortions. In dealing with a difficult and complex situation we can  
— indeed as Catholics must — deny our vote to a candidate known to  
support abortion on demand — or for that matter any other procedure  
which is by its nature gravely immoral, such as euthanasia.
On the other hand, we should support candidates who will strive to  
ensure that sufficient funding is made available to the many  
Pregnancy Support groups, both Christian and secular, which provide a  
wonderful and human support for women in a time of need and enable  
them to bring their children happily to birth.

We should pray for our candidates. It requires considerable courage  
and personal sacrifice to stand for pro-life values in today’s  
political arena. I conclude by calling on you to bring your faith and  
convictions formed by the gospel to the ballot box on 21st August.

Yours devotedly in Christ,

Most Revd Geoffrey Jarrett,
Bishop of Lismore

On the coming election

Comment: gerard@gerardcharleswilson.com