Scottish Catholic Observer

The letter, released last month, is signed by all six Scottish bishops and both archbishops, and encouraged Catholics to vote with Faith and conscience.

Issues raised in the letter were on the rights of the unborn, homelessness, the plight of refugees and asylum seekers, the arms trade and marriage.

The letter does not endorse or reject any political party, but instead, asks Catholics to consider the above issues when they vote on December 12.

Common good

Anthony Horan, director of the Catholic Parliamentary Office for Scotland, has since released his own letter to priests ahead of the election.

In his letter, he wrote: “As we approach polling day on Thursday December 12, many candidates in your constituency will compete for your vote and for the votes of your parishioners.

“While we tend to see politics through a party prism, this General Election presents us with an opportunity to elect an individual representative who reflects as closely as possible our beliefs, including the inherent dignity and value of every human being and the promotion of the common good.

“I urge you and your parishioners to contact all candidates in your constituency and to challenge them on the issues raised in the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland Pastoral letter on the General Election 2019 that was recently sent to you.”

The Catholic Church has compiled a record of standing and incumbent MPs’ voting records on conscience issues, such as abortion, euthanasia and same-sex marriage.

It is available here: https://rcpolitics.org/general-elections-results/

Faith leaders

Meanwhile, ten Scottish faith leaders have also joined together, calling for a respectful tone in the ongoing political debate — that recognises the human value in all people.

The faith leaders are: Bishop Hugh Gilbert of Aberdeen Diocese, the Rt Rev Colin Sinclair, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Scottish Episcopal bishop Mark Strange or Moray, Toss and Caithness, Rev John O. Fulton, Moderator of the United Free Church of Scotland, and Rev Mark Slaney, chair of the Scottish Methodist Church.

Other signatories are: Joan M.M. Cook, president of the Scottish Unitarian Association, Adwoa Bittle of the Scottish Quakers, Rev Dr David Pickering, moderator of the United reformed Church National Synod of Scotland, Lt Colonel Carol Bailey, the Scottish secretary of the Scottish Salvation Army, and Rev May-Kane Logan, chair of the Congregational Federation in Scotland.

Fairer society

The statement says: “As people of faith, we believe in the flourishing of local communities and the importance of acting to make sure this can become a reality. There are many issues which divide us but many more than can unite us and the realisation of a fairer, more equal and more just society is one of them.

It adds: “We are all entitled to our own opinions and strong beliefs, and debates sometimes do get passionate and vigorous. But let us ensure that truthfulness and integrity are at the forefront of what we say and do.”