Preparing for General Election 2015

Archbishop William Goh reaching out to Catholic voters to vote wisely for leaders that will take them into the next lap.

http://www.catholic.org.sg/pastoral-letters/preparing-for-general-election-2015/

“The just ordering of society or the state is not the central responsibility of the Church.  Yet, as citizens of the state, we are called to participate in public life in a personal capacity.”

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The date of the General Election has been announced. Singaporeans will go to the polls on 11 September, 2015.  Some of you have asked the Church for guidance as we ponder on how to exercise our vote as responsible citizens and Catholics. It behooves us to be aware of the Church’s stand on religion and politics.

The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in its Doctrinal Note regarding the Participation of Catholics in Political Life states that the primary function of the Church is to instruct and illuminate the consciences of the faithful, particularly those involved in political life, so that their actions may always serve the integral promotion of the human person and the common good. 

The just ordering of society or the state is not the central responsibility of the Church. Yet, as citizens of the state, we are called to participate in public life in a personal capacity. These two spheres, religion and politics, though distinct, are interrelated. A good Catholic should also be a good citizen on earth and in heaven.

Secondly, we have a moral obligation to exercise our vote responsibly.  This means conscientiously assessing for ourselves, each candidate or party in the light of the following considerations, alongside their electoral promises, when deciding who to elect to government:

• Is the candidate/party one of good moral standing, in particular with regard to the values of honesty and integrity?
• Does the candidate/party uphold the principles that are enshrined in the Singapore Pledge, namely, justice, equality, progress, peace and harmony?
• Does the candidate/party promote a culture of life and dignity of the human person?
• Does the candidate/party work to preserve and promote moral values?
• Does the candidate/party protect and care for the weak, elderly, under-privileged, and those with special needs?
• Does the candidate/party protect and support marriages and family life?
• Does the candidate/party build an inclusive society, free from oppression and discrimination?
• Is the candidate/party in touch with the needs of the people and demonstrate selfless service, putting the nation before self?

Finally, I invite all of you to pray, fast or offer up some sacrifices for our country’s future. Mass should be celebrated and offered with this intention too.

We thank the Lord for the past fifty years.  Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will guide us to vote wisely for leaders that will take us into the next lap.

Yours in Christ,

Archbishop William Goh