The Common Good in a COVID world

The Catholic Bishops of Queensland have released a State Election Statement, calling on Catholics to consider Catholic Social Teachings as they prepare to vote on October 31.

This is an important opportunity to use our voice and our vote for the benefit of the whole community.

We have no monopoly on truth, but we offer these reflections in a spirit of solidarity, as people who also have to consider our vote carefully, who can draw upon a deep wisdom concerning the common good and who are called to care for the most vulnerable in our community… we can point to clear and enduring principles which can help us make the kind of responsible judgements that allow us to be both faithful Catholics and good citizens.
– A Statement by the Catholic Bishops of Queensland for the 2020 State Election.

Read the Statement

• Launch of the statement by Archbishop Mark Coleridge

  Launch of the statement by Archbishop Mark Coleridge

  Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane

  The statement was launched by Archbishop Mark at the Cathedral of St Stephen on 7 September.

  Watch this video of the launch event

  Archbishop Mark Coleridge’s Interview with ABC Radio’s Loretta Ryan on September 8, 2020:

• Catholic Social Teaching Principles

  Catholic Social Teaching Principles

  Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane

  Catholic Social Teaching Principles are the permanent principles of the Church’s social doctrine. These principles prompt us to consider the common good and to pay particular attention to those who are vulnerable, marginalised, or who often ‘fall through the cracks’.

  As we grapple with the challenges of a COVID world, the Catholic Bishops of Queensland have called on Catholics to consider Catholic Social Teaching as they prepare to participate in the Queensland State Election on October 31.

  Explore Catholic Social Teaching Principles

  • The Principle of Respect for Human Dignity
  • The Principle of Respect for Human Life
  • The Principle of Association
  • The Principle of Participation
  • The Principle of Preferential Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
  • The Principle of Solidarity
  • The Principle of Stewardship
  • The Principle of Subsidiarity
  • The Principle of Human Equality
  • The Principle of Common Good
• Issues to consider

  Issues to consider

  Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane

  
  The Bishops’ statement highlights a number of key issues that Catholics may wish to consider as they prepare to participate in the State Election.

  These include:

  • combatting homelessness
  • support for survivors of child sexual abuse
  • dignity of employment, a just living wage and combating poverty
  • healthcare, especially in regional and remote areas
  • funding for Catholic schooling
  • Closing the Gap between Indigenous Queenslanders and the rest of the population
  • euthanasia, assisted suicide and the need for increased access to palliative care
  • providing for sustainable, quality aged care services which provide older people and their families with choice and control
  • an increase in the incidence of mental health issues, especially amongst young people
  • support for women and families, including the great challenge many women face when confronted an unexpected or difficult pregnancy
  • responses to rising levels of family and domestic violence
  • the need for a ‘new universal solidarity’ to combat climate change.

  As Catholics we look to the city of God. This obliges us to take our place firmly and faithfully in the human city that we are called to join others in building. That’s why we take elections and our participation in them as seriously as we do. Politics is by no means everything, but the political process is very much part of building a truly human city that looks to the city of God.
  – A Statement by the Catholic Bishops of Queensland for the 2020 State Election

• Preparing to vote

  Preparing to vote

  Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane

  As we weigh the issues in the lead up to the State election there are a number of ways broaden our awareness and understanding and to develop our thinking.

  This might include personal reflection and prayer; discussions with your parish social justice group or other community groups; and sharing your thoughts with friends and family.

  You may also choose to find out more about political party polices and talk to your local candidates about the issues which are of particular concern to you.

• A prayer for the election

  A prayer for the election

  Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane

  God of life, we give you thanks for Queensland,
  for the land, its people, its achievements and plans.
  We pray for our State as we come to elect a new Parliament,
  holding up to you those who are candidates for office:
  may those elected set their hearts on serving the common good.
  We pray too for voters that they may choose what is best for all Queenslanders.
  God of compassion, who defend the weak and love the poor,
  may Christian communities be a voice for the voiceless through this election campaign.
  We remember our Indigenous peoples, refugees and asylum-seekers,
  survivors of sexual abuse, the victims of family violence,
  those in the womb and the elderly, those suffering mental illness,
  those weighed down by addiction and those trapped in new forms of slavery.
  We hold before you the entire world in this time of COVID-19,
  entrusting to you our sick, their carers and all afflicted by anxiety and isolation.
  Calm our fears and strengthen our hope as we look beyond the pandemic.
  Wise ruler of all, bless those who will serve in the new Parliament:
  may they reach beyond private interest, parliamentary tactics and party politics
  to bring peace, justice and prosperity for all.
  Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.