An opportunity to make our values real

The bishops of the member states of the European Union - our own Archbishop Joseph Mercieca included - have just published a statement about the elections for the European Parliament that will be held in different European countries between June 10 and 13. Twenty-five countries with 450 million inhabitants will elect 732 Members of the European Parliament to represent them.

The positive tone that has characterised most statements of the bishops on the subject is also present on this occasion. "Never before in the western world have so many people been called to vote in the same election."

Theirs is a definitive and heartfelt appeal for people to vote. They also give the reasons why. "By voting in this election, each one of us will benefit from the privilege of peace and democracy that was denied to our forebears. It is a privilege still denied to millions of others around the globe."

Besides this "ideological" reason the Bishops also give us utilitarian ones:

"It adopts laws that affect many aspects of our daily lives... It holds the European Commission and other EU agencies accountable for their actions, and it has the final say on how the EU budget is spent. Anyone who dismisses it as a 'talking shop' is missing out on a significant part of the European democratic decision-making process."

The bishops also say that we "have a moral duty to participate in the European elections". After encouraging Catholics to vote, the Bishops appeal also to those "of all faiths and none" to inform themselves about the candidates and the manifestos of the political parties, and to make their decision according to what they promise to do as MEPs for the next five years.

Then the bishops give a list of characteristics which Catholics should look for in the candidates. We reproduce it almost in toto and propose it to our readers.

"Respect for life: As Christians, we regard human life as sacred and inviolable from conception to natural death. Although the European Parliament has no competence to legislate on issues such as abortion or euthanasia, will it promote respect for human life at all stages and guarantee it in the funding of scientific research?

"Safeguarding Creation: The European Parliament has a decisive influence on legislation to protect our natural environment, prevent pollution and safeguard public health. Will the future MEPs ensure that such legislation preserves the world God has created for us and for future generations rather than serve short-term goals?

"The common good: Faced with a changing demographic structure and the pressures of globalisation, our model of society based on sustainable economic growth and solidarity with the poorest and most vulnerable is more valuable than ever. How will the next Parliament balance the necessary reforms with these basic values?

"Support for the family: EU legislation has an indirect but significant impact on family life in many areas. For most Europeans, the family is the primary source of security, stability, healthcare, education and well-being. How will MEPs balance respect for diversity with support for the family founded on marriage as the basic unit of society?

"Education, culture and youth: Economic and social development will be based more and more on knowledge. It is thus fundamental that the EU recognises the person at the centre of education and training systems. Will the future MEPs promote the right of parents to choose freely the education of their children, without economic discrimination and according to their convictions, in support of the action of Member States?

"Welcoming strangers: Jesus Christ sets us the example of how to welcome strangers in our society. As the EU develops common policies on asylum and immigration, will the new Parliament continue the commitment of its predecessor to ensuring the humane and fair treatment of refugees and migrants?

"Peace, security and freedom: In a world gripped by the fear of terrorism, will MEPs support policies that balance the need for security with the respect of human dignity and human rights? Will they encourage actions that address the root causes of terrorism, promote the peaceful resolution of conflicts and uphold international law?

"Justice for the world's poor: The European Union's policies on development and trade directly affect the living conditions of the world's poorest people. How will the next Parliament ensure the EU implements what the Church calls the 'preferential option for the poor' and respect the dignity of people in the developing world?

"Honesty in public life: One of the most important functions of the European Parliament is to hold the Commission and other EU agencies to account. What efforts will future MEPs take to uphold a code of ethical conduct and to guarantee honesty, transparency and probity both in the rest of the EU system and in their own ranks?

"Unity in diversity through subsidiarity: The European Parliament is an expression of both the unity and the diversity of the EU. How will its Members promote the development of a true European democracy while respecting the cultural, social and political diversity of the Union and the principle of subsidiarity?

"Dialogue with religions: The need for dialogue between religions, political institutions and civil society is clearer than ever. What will the new Parliament do to engage in a dialogue that recognises the specific identity and contribution of religious communities for society as a whole?"

"Our Christian heritage: One of the first tasks of the new Parliament will probably be to adopt a recommendation on the new Constitutional Treaty of the European Union. We take this opportunity to renew our commitment to uphold the values enshrined in the Constitution and to recall the proposal we have made with other churches for an open and inclusive reference to Europe's Christian heritage in the preamble."

We urge Maltese votes to confront local candidates with these characteristics. We encourage them to vote only for those who pass this test.

Most probably our own bishops will be publishing a pastoral letter based on these principles. We invite them to try and apply the principles enunciated by the European bishops on a continental level to the local situation.