Catholic agency urges vote for those who have ‘drawn the short straw’
-19/4/05
Caritas-social action (The Catholic Churchís Agency for social justice in England and Wales) is calling on Catholics to use their vote in the forthcoming election to stand up for those people who ‘draw the short straw’.
A presentation for parishes around the country was launched at the weekend which addresses election apathy.
Including a power-point presentation it argues strongly that both the questions candidates are asked on the doorsteps and at election hustings meetings in churches around the country, have a powerful impact on the lives of marginalized families, vulnerable older people and those with mental ill health, as well as our own.
It calls on Christians to make the choice to prioritise the needs of others and to vote for social justice.
At the launch in the parish of St Hugh of Lincoln, Knaphill, in Arundel and Brighton diocese. Parish Priest, Fr Richard Blythen said: ìAmidst the bedlam of voices clamouring for our vote, Caritasí presentation helps us to focus on our vocation to bring the good news to the poor, not just to ourselves.î
Rt Rev Christopher Budd, Vice-Chair of Caritas-social action and Bishop of Plymouth Diocese has sent the presentation out to his fellow Bishops to distribute.
He said: ìI am delighted to be involved in Caritasí short straw campaign. This presentation is an excellent resource for parishes and small groups to begin to prioritise social justice as an election concern. Caritas reminds us that the Catholic community has an opportunity to be a powerful voice for the voiceless, if we choose.î
The ‘short straw’ parish pack and Power Point presentation is available free for anyone to download from the Caritas website (Simply click on ‘advocacy’ and look for short straw parish pack or call on 020 7901 4875 or email [email protected] )