The England and Wales bishops have produced a four page letter which asks Catholics to consider some fundamental ethical questions before they vote.

The letter is to be distributed in parishes this weekend.

Cardinal Nichols said that the document was principally concerned with solidarity, both with the wider world and the poor.

But he said that life issues such as abortion and euthanasia were the highest priority.

At a press conference at the launch of the document, Cardinal Nichols told Catholics: "Stir yourselves."

"We're citizens, we've been called to play a part in this society," he said.

"We have these ten weeks to raise the game and to make sure that some of these debates address the crucial issues."

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The announcements were made by Education Minister Hekia Parata and Labour's education spokesman Chris Hipkins as they joined TVNZ's Q+A discussion on Sunday. Continue reading

1. Child poverty
2. Income inequality
3. Lack of affordable and accessible housing
4. Global warming

Calling on all Anglicans to exercise their right to vote in the election, Archbishops Winston Halapua, Philip Richardson and Brown Turei also offer six principles for voting.

1. Each person possesses a dignity that comes from God, not from any human quality or accomplishment.
2. We are called into community.
3. All are called to work for the common good of society.
4. Work is more than a way to make a living. It is participation in God's creation.
5. We are stewards rather than owners of God's creation.
6. The Gospels show a preferential concern for the poor and vulnerable.

The Archbishops point out that solutions to the four key challenges do not lie solely with the political process. "Nevertheless, it is essential that these issues are in the policy mix of any government," they add.

"Political activities are no more exempt from the moral teachings of the Gospels than any other form of human behaviour."

"It is important to remember that even budgets are moral documents." Read the Full statement

Source

• Anglican Taonga
• Image: welovepapakura.com

In an opinion piece in the Otago Daily Times Fr Wayne Healey says we must all ask the question: "What are we doing to stop the war in our own country?"

Healey says that in his parish they are trying try to alleviate some of the poverty and hardship through their various groups and counselling services.

But he thinks that while this is also done by other churches, organisations and groups, "it appears to do little to stem the tide of domestic and child violence endemic in our country."

He acknowledges a great deal done by Government agencies but asks is it enough?

Leading up to the forthcoming elections the top billing has been "dirty politics by dirty means" and promises by all parties if they are elected he says

Healey has been a priest for 40 years and he has been the parish priest of Oamaru for the last eight.

Source

• Otago Daily Times
• Oamaru Mail
• Image: ChildPoverty.co.nz

The resource, titled "Value Your Vote 2014", was released in early August, about seven weeks before New Zealand's general election.

The issues covered include redefining marriage, the anti-smacking law, parental notification for teenage abortion, the decriminalisation of prostitution, and raising the drinking age.

The lobby group is also seeking to find out views of party leaders and candidates on a wide range of family issues, which will be posted to a website, www.valueyourvote.org.nz

"Families deserve laws that strengthen and protect them - not ones that redefine and undermine them, " said Family First NZ director Bob McCoskrie.

"We are pleased to offer this resource to assist families in making an informed choice at the polling booth this September."

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Catholic Archbishop John Dew and Anglican Bishop Justin Duckworth invited the Children's Commissioner, Dr Russell Wills, and politicians to speak on child poverty in the lead-up to the election.

At the forum on August 5, Dr Wills said child poverty affected not just the poor but the entire country.

Calling for a plan for children, he said inadequate housing, debt, low incomes, alcohol and gambling harmed the young most of all.

Social pressure was the key to policy change, he added.

Archbishop Dew called on politicians to make reducing poverty their top priority and prayed that they are "genuinely disturbed by the state of society and the lives of the poor".

But he also said that poverty "is not just for the politicians to ‘fix', but something we are all called to do something about as a community".

Attorney-General Chris Finlayson (National) admitted that child poverty is a reality in New Zealand. But he insisted that the present Government are making significant improvements.

Hone Harawira (Mana-Internet) spoke against those who devised grandiose plans on how to run the country, while being oblivious to the widespread nature of child poverty.

Labour leader David Cunliffe called child poverty a "national shame", and referenced to policies to reduce unemployment and raise the minimum wage.

Peter Dunne (United -Future) stressed the need to first of all help parents and families.

Jan Logie (Green) advocated for a smarter, greener economy that works for all, and called for a range of measures to deal with the root causes of child poverty.

Marama Fox (Maori Party) spoke of her personal experience of having to keep children from school because she couldn't afford lunches. She said when we look after our children, we look after our future.

Mataroa Paroro (New Zealand First) called for the removal of GST on basic food items.

Bishop Duckworth urged everyone to keep the conversation going.

He encouraged those present to go back to their communities and push the message about the priority of ending child poverty.

Sources

• Anglican Taonga
• New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference
• Fr Thomas Rouse
• Image: Wellington Archdiocese

According to the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference website, the statement is written for Catholics to read and reflect upon.

It begins with a quote from Pope Francis: "The goal of economics and politics is to serve humanity, beginning with the poorest and most vulnerable, wherever they may be, even in their mothers' wombs."

But the bishops were quick to say that neither themselves nor the Church would tell people who to vote for.

"Catholic teaching advises us on how to think about who to vote for. This takes a bit more work, and a lot more thinking and talking," the statement explained.

The bishops said that no political party or platform represents the totality of the Church's teaching.

They acknowledged that sometimes voters might feel they are faced with having to choose between important issues, for example, prioritising a politician's or a party's position on euthanasia or poverty.

"Catholic teaching does not trade off the well-being of vulnerable groups of people against one another," the statement argued.

"We seek political outcomes that protect the lives and wellbeing of all vulnerable people."

The bishops said there is a "special responsibility to engage with the political party that we intend to support in an election, and to speak up for the poor and the vulnerable through the whole political cycle".

"This means challenging all politicians and political parties, especially the one for whom you decide to vote."

The statement went on to address the following issues: People living in poverty; People living with pain, illness or approaching the end of their lives; Unborn children; Refugees, asylum seekers and migrants; People in prison; People without a vote;

It concluded with an exhortation: "Question, discuss, debate, pray, be involved, and speak out for the poor and vulnerable among us as you decide how to cast your vote."

New Zealand's General Election is on September 20.

Source

• New Zealand Catholic Bishops' Conference
• Image: elections.org.nz

The Grey Lynn School children grilled National, Labour, Green and Internet Party politicians and independent MP Brendan Horan at the launch of a "tick4kids" campaign to bring children's issues to the fore in the election.

Jack, aged 11, asked them if they would consider having a student government that primary school children could be part of. All except Mr Horan said they would. Continue reading

After an Easter Sunday service in Mangere, Cunliffe addressed more than 3000 people at the Samoan Assembly of God National Easter Conference.

Labour is making a concerted effort to target voters in electorates including Mangere, Manurewa and Manukau East ahead of September's general election. Continue reading