Scottish Bishops: Society will be judged on how it treats its poorest and most vulnerable citizens

In a pastoral letter which will be read at all 500 Catholic churches in Scotland this weekend (20/21 May) Scotland's Catholic Bishops, will urge parishioners to participate in the 2017 General Election and to be informed by the teachings of the Church

The detailed statement lists: Human Life, Marriage and the Family, Poverty, Asylum and Religious Freedom as key areas. It says: “Any laws which permit the wilful ending of life must always be rejected as reprehensible and unjust.” While urging Catholic voters, to “remind our politicians that abortion, assisted suicide and euthanasia are always morally unacceptable.”

The letter says: “The wellbeing of society depends on the flourishing and health of family life and those in authority should respond to this with policies that create economic and other advantages for families with children.” While noting that “poverty continues to be a scourge for many at home and abroad, while too many people still struggle to make ends meet.”

Addressing religious freedom, the Bishops’ message asks voters to make sure that their candidates are “committed to the right of people not to be forced to act against their conscience.” The letter concludes: “Our nation, our Parliament, and our Government will be judged on how it treats its poorest and most vulnerable citizens.”

Commenting on the letter, the Director of the Catholic Parliamentary Office, Anthony Horan said: “This General election provides an opportunity for Catholics to take their beliefs into the polling station and elect members of parliament who share their concerns.”