Scottish Catholic Observer

The Bishops of Scotland are urging Scottish Catholics to join a political party in order to help ‘determine the future of Scotland.’

In their pre-election guidance to be read out in parishes this week, the eight Scottish bishops say ‘Catholics in Scotland should not simply be passive spectators but should be active participants.’

The bishops also say Scottish Catholics should cast their vote in the May 5 Scottish election and consider the new powers Holyrood will soon gain, including control of abortion legislation.

They added that as it is the ‘duty of every Catholic to try to influence society for the better,’ parishioners should ‘exercise your democratic right and responsibility to vote in the forthcoming Scottish Parliamentary elections.’ Further, they suggest Catholics ‘bring to this election the benefits of the insight that our Christian faith gives.’ “Insight into the dignity of each person, particularly the weakest and most vulnerable; insight into the value of all human life from conception to natural death; insight into the family as the fundamental unit of our society; insight into social and economic justice for all,” they say. “And insight into the care of the common home we inhabit.”

To further these values the bishops are telling Catholics ‘you might well consider it worthwhile to join a political party.’

“Do not leave it to others to determine the future of Scotland,” they say. “Only if you use your vote can you make a difference and influence our political leaders. Catholics in Scotland should not simply be passive spectators but should be active participants in shaping a better society and in ensuring that we have a Parliament that appreciates, understands and respects a Christian vision for Scotland.”

Finally, the letter asks listeners to recall ‘the Scottish Parliament now has more powers than before and has a greater say, therefore, in determining the welfare of society.’

“As well as existing powers over education and health, the Parliament has been given more control of the economy, with greater ability to raise and lower taxes,” they go on.

“It will also have responsibility for legislation regarding abortion in Scotland.”

Pic: Paul McSherry: The bishops of Scotland with the Apostolic nuncio to the UK