In a statement being distributed to Catholic parishes throughout the country, the bishops emphasise that politics is not a private affair and that the election is an opportunity to help secure the common good.

President of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference, Archbishop John Dew of Wellington, says when we are making political choices we need to think beyond what will be "better for me" and think about what will be "better for us".

"We need to ask whether political policy options enhance our life together as a community, and most importantly, whether they protect the vulnerable," he says.

In the statement the bishops ask whether we merely consider a "shopping list" of political choices.

They suggest we can instead be dynamic and active advocates for political choices such as valuing human life, protecting the poor and vulnerable in our society, enhancing our relationships and communities, and preserving the goods of the earth.

The bishops recognise that there are many different possible policies or options which could achieve a just and fair society. They ask that people use their consciences to challenge and debate the options put forward by political parties to help ensure the outcomes of the election build the common good of all.

"We must look to the good of all members of our communities," says Archbishop Dew, "not just to our own needs and wants".

"Participation in the democratic process is important. During elections, we have the opportunity and responsibility to address the needs of all in our community".

Church leaders are challenging all political parties to acknowledge their shared responsibility to provide a just share of society's wealth and resources for all its citizens, especially the most vulnerable.

This includes adequate income for everyone, fair taxation policies, access to good health care, affordable housing, and provision for sustainable living.

The church leaders state that: "These are not privileges but part of the common heritage of humanity. Social welfare is part of a greater picture of social, economic and environmental priorities and decisions about spending. Caring for others makes us better people and strengthens our community."

The signatories to the statement: Rodney Macann, National Leader, Baptist Churches of New Zealand
Most Reverend John Dew, Catholic Archbishop of Wellington
Most Reverend David Moxon, Archbishop, Anglican Church in Aotearoa New Zealand and Polynesia
Reverend Desmond Cooper, President, Methodist Church of New Zealand
Right Reverend Peter Cheyne, Moderator, Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand
Commissioner Donald Bell, Territorial Commander, Salvation Army in New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga
Pastor Ken Harrison, General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God in New Zealand

Download and read Christian Leaders' statement

• NZCBC
• Image: Liberation

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand's rankings rate Japan champion in terms of social justice and equality. While being one of the world's richest nations, Japan and its corporations have done remarkably well with the national distribution of this wealth, making it the most equal of all 20 nations in this tournament. Japan is a global leader in this respect - to the point that the Wall Street Journal and economists like Amartya Sen say that Japan is ‘the only communist nation that works'!

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