“The vote for the new European Parliament shoulders us with the responsibility to be properly prepared” so as to “express our choice, with a well-formed conscience, for those candidates that can make the greatest contribution to the common good”. That is the gist of the message sent to electors in recent days by Archbishop Joseph Merciega of Malta, Bishop Nicholas J. Cauchi of Gozo, and auxiliary bishop of Malta, Annetto Depasquale. In particular the bishops recall the duty of Christians to vote: “the vote is a means to support those who are ready to work with dedication for a Europe built on Christian values”. “For the Christian electors of Malta, the vote continue the bishops is also a means to ensure that the chosen representatives offer an energetic witness of our country’s heritage of Christian values” by aligning themselves in defence “of human life from conception to natural death, by rejecting abortion and euthanasia”, and by “supporting marriage and the unity of the family”. Further priorities underlined by the bishops are “the commitment to justice, solidarity, peace and the protection of the environment”. Electors are asked to “vote in a responsible manner according to conscience”. “For the Christian that means acting in the light of the Gospel and of the teaching of the Church conclude the bishops -. The common good must be put in first place”; that’s why electors must choose “candidates of great honesty and moral and professional integrity”.
