Statement by the Catholic bishops in Northern Ireland in advance
of the Assembly Election on 2 March 2017
To all people of goodwill,
We urge all voters to take seriously the responsibility of voting in the forthcoming Assembly Election. As Catholics we have a duty to be hopeful and, despite the challenges, to work towards creating a society that values all of its people.
Pope Francis reminds us that engaging with the democratic process is primarily about participation in a process that can lead to a more just society:
“None of us can say, ‘I have nothing to do with this, they govern...’ No, I am responsible for their governance, and I have to do the best so that they govern well, and I have to do my best by participating in politics according to my ability. Politics, according to the Social Doctrine of the Church, is one of the highest forms of charity, because it serves the common good. I cannot wash my hands” (Pope Francis on Vatican Radio, September 2013).
With this in mind, we ask all people of goodwill to consider the policies of candidates, assess the spirit and detail of their manifestos and then evaluate them in light of this question: “How effectively does a particular candidate’s policies strengthen and support the full human dignity of all members of our society?”
In our role as pastors, we have updated our reflection (see below) A Better Future: Towards a Culture of Life, Care and Hope for All of April 2016. We draw attention to key questions which voters may wish to raise with candidates regarding: the protection of human life and dignity at all stages, marriage and the family, child poverty, matters pertaining to education, and issues concerning migrants and refugees.
Our intention in publishing this statement is to assist the faithful in considering key issues that they face at this critical time for our society.
Download the pastoral reflection 'A Better Future: towards a culture of life, care and hope for all'
Download 'Ten questions based on Catholic Social Teaching for Catholics to ask candidates standing in the Assembly elections’
This statement and pastoral reflection are issued in the names of: Archbishop Eamon Martin, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland; Bishop John McAreavey, Bishop of Dromore; Bishop Noel Treanor, Bishop of Down & Connor; Bishop Donal McKeown, Bishop of Derry; and Monsignor Joseph McGuinness, Diocesan Administrator of the Diocese of Clogher.