AMERICA/BRAZIL - In view of coming elections Bishops call Catholics to vote for candidates committed to promoting human life, marriage and peace

Rio de Janeiro (Agenzia Fides) – In view of elections in the Autumn the Bishops of the eastern region of Brazil, Rio de Janeiro state, have called on Catholics to choose representatives clearly committed to protecting human life from conception to natural death, to supporting the family and the freedom of parents to choose children's education. In a recent statement encouraging the faithful to vote with discernment at the next general election, the Bishops said: “The first criteria for choosing a candidate is his or her attitude towards the dignity of the human person and human life from conception to natural death. We firmly reject all forms of violence against life, such as all methods of abortion, exploitation of minors, euthanasia and any sort of genetic manipulation. The second criteria is whether the candidate supports the family where the individual grows and matures. Candidates should be committed to offering concrete incentives to promote the family according to the plan of God, in other words to rejecting the possibility of marriage between persons of the same, or adoption of children by same sex couples, the legalisation of prostitution, drugs and trafficking of women. A third criteria is for the candidate to support the freedom of parents to choose education for their children according to the life they consider most appropriate.” Commitment in this field includes protection for private schools according the freedom of religion constitutionally guaranteed, “recently recognised in an agreement reached between Brazil and the Holy See ”. After noting that the fourth and fifth criteria refer respectively to solidarity and the principle of subsidiarity, the Bishops urge the voters to elect candidates who promote a culture of peace and intend to eradicate the violence which infests the country. Political activity, the Bishops said, is one way of bringing the Gospel into daily life in order to build a "society of justice, equality and brotherhood ”. Political leaders who act in this spirit will restore hope and faith to those who have become cynical and sceptic towards governors and government. “This is a great opportunity for Catholics and for all men and women of good will, an opportunity not to be lost” the Bishops conclude. (AP) (22/7/2010 Agenzia Fides)