The bishops’ calll to vote

A strong and determined invitation to vote the renewal of the European Parliament, to support the “European project” based on principles of solidarity and subsidiarity, while at the same time convey Christians’ voice within the European scenario. These are the essential elements that emerge from the declaration of European Bishops, presented in Brussels on March 20 by cardinal Reinhard Marx on behalf of COMECE, the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community. Participating in the democratic process. The document is meant to be a contribution by the bishops of EU member countries at a particularly difficult time for Europe, hit by the economic crisis and by widespread lack of confidence, by populisms and nationalisms. Precisely at this time, the bishops declare, the outcome of the elections for the renewal of the European Parliament “will shape the EU legislature for the next half-decade and will have major implications for those who lead the Union over the coming years”. It is not by chance that the document was presented few hours after the opening of an important meeting of the European Council on the situation in Ukraine, and once again, the response to the economic crisis. For European bishops “It is essential that EU citizens participate in the democratic process by casting their vote on polling day”, scheduled for May 22-25. “The higher the turnout, the stronger the new legislature”. “We feel it is our duty, as the Bishops of COMECE, to offer guidance to the EU voter in forming his or her conscience, and we wish to do this by highlighting issues of importance, assessing them through the prism of Catholic social teaching”. The bishops said they hope that their “counsel” will reach not only believers but that they “may also receive a favourable hearing from all men and women of good will who care about the success of the European project”. Hope, despite the crisis. The bishops reiterate the right and duty of EU citizens to cast their vote. They underline the gravity of the present moment linked to the economic crisis that has been lasting since 2008. At the same time they add: “the Christian message is one of hope”. Thus “it is our belief that the European project is inspired by a noble view of mankind. Individual citizens, communities and even nation-states must be capable of putting aside particular interest in pursuit of the common good”. The statement makes explicit reference to the apostolic exhortation by Pope John II “Ecclesia in Europa”, published in 2003 and considered a document “of hope”, and “it is with a firm belief in a better future that the Church approaches the European challenge”. COMECE bishops thus focused on eight priority issues related to community policies. “It’s important – they state – that the increasing moves towards unity within the EU do not sacrifice the subsidiarity principle, a basic pillar of the unique family of nation-states which constitutes the EU, nor compromise the long-standing traditions which prevail in so many of the Member States”. Second: “another pillar of the Union but also a principle which is at the base of Catholic social teaching is solidarity. It should be seen to govern policy at every level across the EU”. “We need to build a different Europe, with solidarity at its heart”. Life, family, migrations. Third aspect, “It is essential to recall that underpinning all areas of socio-economic policy is a vision of man rooted in profound respect for human dignity. Human life must be protected from the moment of conception to that of natural death. The family, as the basic building-block of society, must also enjoy the protection it needs”. Follow specific remarks on migration waves, underlining that “the responsibility of reception and integration of migrants and asylum seekers needs to be shared proportionately by the Member States”. Finally, the COMECE document highlights themes related to the environment, religious freedom, (“a fundamental feature of a tolerant, open society”), “all measures to protect the commonly shared weekly day of rest, which is Sunday”, the “demographic change”. The bishops point out that the EU “is at a turning point” and it must be supported: “We have too much to lose if the European project is derailed”. The bishops’ statement ends with an appeal: “It is essential that all of us who are European citizens go to the polling booths on 22 – 25 May. We Bishops would urge that votes be cast in response to the promptings of an informed conscience”.