Catholic Bishops urge voters to consider the common good at election time

To access and download the full Bishops' Statement - "A Vote for Us All", click on the pdf icon to the right of this page.

To download the statement in printable brochure format click on the following link: http://www.acbc.catholic.org.au/bishops/confpres/200708071764.htm

With Federal Parliament set to resume for what is likely to be one of its last sittings before the Federal Election, Australia’s Catholic Bishops today issued a statement in which they urged Catholics to consider the common good when casting their vote this year.

The statement, approved by the nation’s 42 Bishops, raises a number of key issues for people to consider as they weigh things up in the approach to the election.

“In making this contribution, we draw upon a rich religious tradition and upon the Church’s long experience as a major provider of healthcare, education and social services in Australia,” the Bishops’ statement says.

“We encourage Catholics to look beyond their own individual needs and apply a different test at the ballot box – the test of the common good.

“Catholic tradition holds that the common good is underpinned by the promotion and protection of human dignity. Implicit in seeking the common good is the desire to serve the poor, the marginalised, the sick and the forgotten in our society.”

While firmly respecting the right of people to vote for the party of their choice, the Bishops urge people of faith to take an active interest in the political process and the future of the nation.

“At a time when some argue that religious faith should be removed from politics altogether, we urge Catholics to take their democratic freedoms seriously and become involved in the political process,” the statement says.

“For some, this will also mean making informed ethical choices at the ballot box. For others, it might mean standing for election. We acknowledge and encourage the many Catholic people who are already engaged in political life at various levels.”