by SHANE COLEMAN
Chairman, Auckland Justice and Peace Commission
As we approach the upcoming election, Catholics across Aotearoa-New Zealand are faced with
a choice on which party and candidate to support.
When I consider voting I am torn between two questions: Should I vote for my personal benefit, or should I vote for the benefit of my community?
Pope Francis, in his humble and peace-filled way, has reminded Catholics that our faith requires us to engage in the world around us.
This election I encourage people to reflect on the four following issues, and I offer one challenge:
1. Childhood poverty is one of the greatest challenges facing our communities. The office of the Commissioner for Children stated that childhood poverty will lead to “reduced
employment prospects, lower earnings, poorer health, and higher rates of criminal offending in adulthood”.
Which party will change the future for New Zealand children?
2. For those living in Auckland and Christchurch, housing is a major issue. The shortage of affordable housing and the lack of social housing is one of the root causes of poverty.
Many people live in cold, damp houses and for them buying a home is a distant dream. Which parties offer effective solutions to housing our families?
3. In May this year, the National Catholic Reporter led its editorial with “Climate change is Church’s No. 1 prolife issue”. New Zealand has marketed itself as clean and green, but serious questions have been asked about New Zealand’s commitment to protecting the environment. Which parties encourage environmental sustainability and promote economic growth?
4. New Zealand has one of the highest rates of incarceration in the world. Which parties address rehabilitation of offenders and ensure that victim’s voices are heard and justice is met?
My challenge to you is simple — get out and vote. Whatever party you support, it is important to get involved. Decisions are made by people who show up and if you don’t think your
vote counts, remember Paula Bennett won her seat by just nine votes in the last election.
by Paul Shannon
chairman, Hamilton Social Justice Commission
The Hamilton Social Justice Commission wishes to encourage all Catholics over the age of 18 years to vote.
The New Zealand Catholic Bishops statement on the 2014 Election states that, “Our deepest and most important values are reflected in the way we participate in elections”.
Therefore when we vote we must do so as fully informed Catholics. There are parties who have potentially contentious policies and our Bishops tell us that Catholic teaching does not trade off the wellbeing of the vulnerable groups of people with one another.
The New Zealand Catholic Bishops’ do not tell us for whom we should cast our vote.
So do you know which party to vote for?
We suggest that you:
– Become familiar with the policies of each party
– Analyse how these policies fit within the Church’s teachings on social justice.
You may achieve this by:
– Finding out who are the Electorate and List candidates in your area.
– Participating in discussions with others with similar concerns and listen to debates in the public arena.
– Engaging with your local candidates through personal contact, emails, by asking the hard questions and expressing your concerns about specific legislation.
– Questioning how the impact of the policy as expressed by the party affects the common good and/or individual rights.
– Ensuring that by voting for a particular party you are not merely preserving your own interests but are advancing the common good for all.
Finally you must consult your own conscience to ensure that the special responsibility we have as Christians has been met and the party you have chosen has satisfied you that they will care for the poor and vulnerable with appropriate and workable national policies.
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