The Catholic bishops of England and Wales have written a letter to their dioceses nationwide, stressing Christian values as they urge participation in Britain's forthcoming general election.
The letter from the Archbishops of Westminster, Cardiff, Southwark, Birmingham and Liverpool makes no party recommendations – leaving the June 8 vote to personal conscience – but encourages value-driven participation at a critical time for the country, as it prepares to leave the European Union.
The letter quoted the teaching of Pope Francis in his Evangelii Gaudium, in which the pontiff wrote:'An authentic faith...always involves a deep desire to change the world, to transmit values, to leave this earth somehow better than we found it.
'We love this magnificent planet on which God has put us, and we love the human family which dwells here, with all its tragedies and struggles, its hopes and aspirations, its strengths and weaknesses. The earth is our common home and all of us are brothers and sisters.'
Drawing on Francis' words, the bishops emphasised the importance of challenging the world's injustices and the need to embody mercy to a humanity in need.
The letter emphasised the common humanity of those made in the image of God. It added: 'We cannot be indifferent to the struggles and disasters of people who live far away from us, and must strive to assist and protect them. We cannot be indifferent to the environmental impact of how we live and organise our creation of wealth and well-being.'
The letter implored voters to consider how their local candidates stood on issues such as family and the protection of the vulnerable, the welfare of the world's poorest, the need for prison reform, and the human implications of EU negotiations.
Other issues it highlighted include the welcome of refugees, protecting religious minorities, standing up for Catholic schools and advocating against modern day slavery.
The letter said: 'To a great extent the outcome of this election will determine the approach taken on how this (leaving the European Union) is achieved, the priorities we pursue and the values we wish to treasure as our own in the UK and as partners with countries around the world. It will determine how we can heal divisions in our society, care for the vulnerable, how our public services are run and whether we can remain a united kingdom.'
The letter concluded with the prayer: 'Lord grant us wisdom to act always with integrity, seeking the protection and flourishing of all, and building a society based on justice and peace.'
The full letter can be read here.
