Precious Life Welcomes NI Catholic Bishops’ Statement in Advance of Assembly Election
The Catholic Bishops in Northern Ireland have published a statement and pastoral reflection in advance of the Assembly Election on Thursday 2nd March. They highlight the need for all voters to “take seriously the responsibility of voting in the forthcoming Assembly Election”, acknowledging that to engage with the democratic process by using one’s vote is to participate in a process “that can lead to a more just society.”
The following quote from Pope Francis was included in the Bishops’ statement:
“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 […].”
For the past three weeks, Precious Life has been holding public information meetings, distributing over 100,000 leaflets and displaying banners across Northern Ireland informing voters of the urgent need to vote only for pro-life candidates on Thursday 2nd March.
Bernadette Smyth, the Director of Precious Life, welcomed the Bishops’ statement:
“We welcome the Northern Ireland Catholic Bishops’ thought-provoking reflection on the need for everyone to use their vote wisely by asking their candidates vital questions, including, ‘Do you support abortion, the direct and intentional taking of an innocent human life in any circumstances?’ Such a question cuts straight to the point. Just as the Bishops make clear in their statement, voters must not be fooled by those candidates who give the false assurance that they do not support ‘abortion on demand’ or the 1967 Abortion Act. Abortion in ‘limited circumstances’ is still abortion. The killing of any unborn child is morally wrong and any candidate who supports such an abominable act cannot be considered a suitable candidate for Stormont.
“The Bishops’ statement is a welcome affirmation of our urgent message that everyone has a duty to make the most of their vote. I urge everyone to do what they can to ensure that the candidates who promise to defend the right to life of all unborn children get elected. Without the right to life all other rights are meaningless.
“Please do not waste the valuable opportunity on Thursday 2nd March to vote ‘pro-woman, pro-baby, pro-life’. It is a matter of life and death. Unborn babies with life-limiting disabilities are counting on us.”