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Cardinal O'Brien urges Glenrothes constituents to "Go out and vote!".

Friday 10 October 2008 Cardinal O'Brien urges Glenrothes constituents to "Go out and vote!". In a letter to be read in the three catholic parishes in the constituency of Glenrothes this weekend, Cardinal Keith O'Brien in whose archdiocese the constituency is situated will urge parishioners to "Go out and vote!", reminding them that "The right to vote is a very important one, which places an obligation on every citizen to participate in the democratic process." The Cardinal also suggests that parish groups should "host or participate in hustings and campaign meetings (and) take every opportunity to acquaint yourself with the issues and the candidates before you."...

Cardinal calls for "Faith and Science" forum

...en a free vote with regard to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill. Many agree with me in that a free vote should be granted “ particularly as free votes have been granted on causes much less important, such as fox hunting and the docking of dogs tails! Consequently, when this Bill is considered, I would certainly maintain that Members of Parliament of whatever Party should be allowed to vote according to their conscience.I would ask: when is a ˜free vote not a ˜free vote !Prime Minister Gordon Brown has indicated that Labour MPs will be allowed a free vote on three key issues “ the mixing of human and animal cells in research embryos, the use...

Bishops urge Catholics to "be active participants in shaping a better society"

...In a letter which will be read in all of Scotland’s 500 Catholic parishes this weekend (9/10 April) Scotland’s eight Catholic Bishops will urge parishioners to "be active participants in shaping a better society” not simply "passive spectators” they will also encourage greater participation in the political process, suggesting; "you might well consider it worthwhile to join a political party”  while reminding Catholic voters that "Only if you use your vote can you make a difference and influence our political leaders.”   The call to get involved in the election, scrutinise candidates and parties and...

Reaction to Embryology "Free vote"

...Reaction to Embryology "Free vote"Tuesday 25 March 2008Reacting to the announcement today by Gordon Brown that Labour MP's will be allowed a 'free vote' on aspects of the "Human fertilisation and Embryology Bill", the Parliamentary Officer of the Catholic Church in Scotland, John Deighan commented:"This is a belated acknowledgement that these are important issues of conscience but still leaves Labour MP's in a position where they may have to vote for something which they believe to be intrinsically wrong, since the 'free vote' only applies to amendments to the Bill so at a later stage the Government will still compel them to back it.'Mr Deighan added;"Ultimately...

Bishops urge Catholics to cast their vote

...land will vote in what may be the most unpredictable General Election in generations. While each of us alone will decide whom to vote for, the teachings of the Church can offer us a guide as we attempt to reach an informed judgement that advances the common good.   Casting a vote is both a civic duty and a Christian moral obligation. The huge turnout at last year s referendum was an exemplary exercise in peaceful and participatory democracy and showed how much the Scottish people care about the future of our country and its wellbeing.   It was also a reminder of the power that every citizen has and the obligation upon us to use our vote. For centuries Christ...

Bishop urges "Free vote" on Embryology Bill

...Bishop urges "Free vote"   on Embryology BillThe Bishop of Paisley, Bishop Philip Tartaglia has this week written to Prime Minster Gordon brown urging him to allow Labour MP's a free vote on the forthcoming Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill in the House of Commons.In his letter Archbishop Tartaglia says the Bill raises " deeply ethical and moral questions, (which) cannot be properly addressed by means of the party line" and he suggests that it would be a distortion of democracy if MP's were not able to vote according to their consciences.The full text of the letter is shown below.ENDSPeter Kearney  Director  Catholic Media Office  5 St. Vincent Place �...