Bishop John in the grounds of Wardley Hall

Bishop shares letter to diocese ahead of election

Tuesday 25th June 2024

As we head ever closer to the General Election on 4th July, Bishop John has written a letter to people in our diocese.

In his letter, Bishop John reminds us of the great “privilege” it is to have the freedom to vote and encourages us to use our vote for the “common good” of all.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The next UK general election is set for Thursday 4^th July.

It is a privilege to vote, and I encourage each one of us to actively participate in the process. Not just on polling day but in engaging with the key issues that matter to us as individuals and as Catholics, focussing on how we want our society to operate.

The Fathers of the Second Vatican Council reminded us of the importance and purpose of voting. They went so far as to call it a duty, and not just for Catholics. “All citizens, therefore, should be mindful of the right and also the duty to use their free vote to further the common good” (Gaudium et Spes, 75).”

We should be looking beyond the superficial soundbite and to the heart of matters. As Catholics we can use this as an opportunity to put our faith into action, prioritising issues, policies, and politicians that reflect and share our values. We must avoid the politics of polarisation and division and seek to find a narrative that is for the common good.

There are many issues that will speak to you, but the Bishops’ Conference have chosen to highlight a number:

Respect for The Dignity of Every Human Being

Education

Promotion of Peace and Reconciliation

Upholding The Sanctity of Life

Eradication of Poverty (through promoting a just economic system and promoting the dignity of work)

Criminal Justice

Care For Our Common Home – this Planet.

International relations and Human Rights

Migration and Refugees

With the right to vote comes the responsibility and I encourage everyone to get to know the individual candidates standing in their constituency – and to learn what they stand for.

Along with my fellow faith leaders in Greater Manchester and Lancashire I also urge you to vote for people who will promote positive relationships and cohesion between all our communities, and who oppose anything that causes racial or religious hatred or prejudice on grounds of race, nationality, disability, gender, sexual orientation, age or religion – especially Antisemitism or Islamophobia in the current international climate.

We must never take this democratic freedom for granted. I urge everyone who can vote to do so. Please remember that Photo ID is now necessary in order to be permitted to vote.

You may also, individually and in your parishes, wish to pray for the General Election. A suggested prayer is provided by the Columban Missionaries: