Bishops hope ‘Gospel lens’ will guide people’s votes

In Discerning our nation’s future through a Gospel lens, the bishops note that the Church does not endorse any political party or candidate. Instead, they encourage voters to carefully examine parties, candidates and policies through the lens of the Gospel and Catholic social teaching.

In the document, the bishops call on voters to think seriously about the kind of society New Zealand is building and to consider how their electoral choices can contribute to the good of the broader community.

“Voting should amount to something more than simply a personal preference,” the bishops write.

“It is a moral and civic responsibility; it is a concrete way that we can pursue the common good.”

That goal can be pursued, the bishops write, by looking beyond short-term concerns and individual self-interest and instead reflecting on the struggles many are facing.

“We invite you to consider the lived experience of families and communities, and to consider how proposed policies affect the marginalised and most vulnerable,” the statement explains.

The bishops’ document highlights five key areas for voters to consider as they assess political parties and local candidates:

• The dignity of the human person, including respect for every person from conception until natural death;
• Solidarity with one’s brothers and sisters, including economic and social support for people in need, immigration and refugee policies, and New Zealand’s responsibilities towards its Pacific neighbours;
• Rights of religious freedom and conscience, including the ability of individuals and Catholic organisations to live and serve according to sincerely held beliefs;
• Preserving human faces and voices, particularly safeguarding human autonomy and the dignity of work in a society increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and automation;
• Care for our common home, including the wellbeing of New Zealand’s land, skies and waterways, as well as support for communities affected by changing climate patterns.

The bishops express concern about significant challenges facing the country, pointing to abortion, homelessness, euthanasia, unemployment, inadequate support for people with disabilities and entrenched poverty as examples.

Concern is also raised about the way political discourse is undertaken, as part of building – or undermining – New Zealand’s “social fabric”.

“A key indicator of any society’s maturity is its citizens’ ability to speak truthfully, listen respectfully and promote the dignity of every person,” the bishops write.

The bishops conclude their statement by expressing the hope that voters’ discernment will be grounded in truth and respect and directed towards the common good.

“May this election be an opportunity to renew our commitment to one another, so that our communities become places where every person can belong and flourish.”

The bishops also propose a prayer for people to use in the weeks leading up to the election on November 7.

Read the full statement at: https://bit.ly/NZCBCElection26

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Bishops hope ‘Gospel lens’ will guide people’s votes (NZCBC)