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End of Life Assistance Campaign

RC Politics Parliament in View

Volume 11 Issue 3

23 April 2010

Contents

Renewing Politics

Quiz Your Candidate

Current Legislation

Committee Take Evidence on Euthanasia Bill

Consultations

Tracking Down Party Information

Bishops’ Election Statement

Recommended Reading

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www.catholicvotersguide.org

Renewing Politics

There cannot be anyone who has been able to avoid the election coverage. Parties have been embroiled in strenuous efforts to convince the electorate that they will provide the best return on your vote.

Inevitably there will be an element of self-interest when weighing up which candidate or party provides the best option for a vote. Self-interest however needs to be balanced against the interest of others if we want to elect politicians who will best serve our society. Pope Benedict’s recent social encyclical Caritas in Veritate identifies the danger of greed and selfishness in society. It is these values which lie at the root of the global economic disaster which now has our country in an unimaginable level of debt. It has also blighted the prospects of people of all ages, but especially the young, in finding adequate work to support their families. On the surface, however the consumer society continues to set the standards that govern people’s lives. Politics seems to follow this standard rather than lead, such that an election often appears to be about which politicians will give voters the best bargain. Politics now often takes on the characteristics of the world of entertainment, where the attractiveness of candidate’s wives and their fashion tastes are analysed along with the showmanship skills of potential Prime Ministers. Alexis de Tocqueville, in his study of American democracy, famously warned that a democracy which sets out only to deliver the gratification of its citizens’ desires can reduce people to a sort of perpetual childhood where they rely on the State to increasingly control their lives. It is a warning that we need to re-examine.

Overcoming self-centredness demands a willingness to sacrifice our own interests, to some extent, for the sake of others. But social policy for over a decade has allowed the structures that make a just and ordered society likely to have been obscured by the clamour to support people in whatever indulgence they see fit. This has meant, for example, sacrificing the traditional value of commitment in marriage for easy divorce and cohabitation. Politicians and social commentators simply accuse anyone who points to the necessity of strong marriages, for the sake of children and society, of interfering or moralising. Yet family breakdown has fuelled terrible unhappiness and social problems as people indulge in the escapism of drink, drugs, sex and any other pleasure which they think might provide happiness. This is part of the vicious downward cycle which makes breakdown and unhappiness all the more likely. At times when the trends of society offer destructive examples it can be difficult to decide what is right and wrong. On the eve of being elected Pope, Cardinal Ratzinger warned that the values of society can confuse and trick Christians if they do not sufficiently develop their understanding of the Catholic faith. This will lead to a mature faith which enables people to discern true from false when society offers particular values. Part of that mature faith has to be a deep understanding of Catholic social teaching.

The Catholic Church has a well developed body of social teaching which gives principles and guidelines which can inform our involvement in society and in political affairs. This teaching will remain ineffective if it is not studied and put in to effect by lay people who carry the task of ensuring that all of society can benefit from the Christian message. It is for this reason that the Pope identified the need for lay action in his recent Ad Limina message to the Scottish bishops. The election therefore represents just one instance when the values explained in Catholic social teaching can be applied. It can help in identifying the candidates who can serve the wellbeing of all of society. More important is that the teaching of the Church informs the way Catholics lead their lives at all times.

Caritas in Veritate highlights that the answer to our social problems involves recognition of the spiritual dimension of our lives and understanding that life is a gift from God. The nature of the human person is fulfilled when given for others. That is, when it is committed to the common good. The Pope points out that this is the foundation of charity and it is the value which requires to be embraced by people that we can live as a real community rather than allowing selfishness to cut each individual off from the concerns of everyone else. Presently we are seeing attempts to build a society without God. Pope John XXIII in Mater et Magistra warned that such an attempt was doomed and that God was the only foundation on which society could endure. At a time when the Catholic Church is caricatured and defamed it will benefit all of society to see the true value of upholding the tenets of Catholicism which identify a way of living that will fulfil people because it emanates from God’s plan for the world. One election cannot reset society on the right path but it offers a point for assessing how far we are from that path.

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Quiz Your Candidate

The Catholic Parliamentary Office is seeking to ascertain the views of candidates in the election. These will be displayed on the website at www.catholicvotersguide.org. You can encourage your candidates to identify the extent of their support to the statements below. They have all been sent a copy and should be able to respond directly to the Catholic Parliamentary Office. The form below can be copied and used for each candidate to assist you in evaluating their views.

Indicate your level of agreement by circling the number which most reflects your opinion.

1. Agree Strongly 2. Agree slightly 3. Neither agree nor disagree 4. Disagree slightly 5. Disagree strongly

1. Rights of the Unborn

Human life from the moment of fertilisation is precious and cannot be subject to destructive manipulation or termination.

1 2 3 4 5

2. Family

The unique relationship of man and woman united in marriage is the foundation of family life. Laws which obscure this reality or propose alternative relationships as equivalent to marriage cannot be supported.

1 2 3 4 5

3. Justice

Ensuring material, educational, cultural and spiritual wellbeing of all peoples of the world must be the underpinning principle upon which all economic activity is based.

1 2 3 4 5

4. Religious Freedom

Equality laws must protect the dignity of all persons and must ensure that the right to follow conscience is upheld and that people should not be forced to act contrary to their religious beliefs, within the bounds of public order.

1 2 3 4 5

5. Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia

Every life is of intrinsic worth regardless of health or capabilities and it is always wrong to provide or administer means intending to kill or intending to hasten death.

1 2 3 4 5

Candidate Name

Party

Constituency

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Current Legislation

Alcohol etc. (Scotland) Bill (Ex) Stage 1 (lead committee (Health and Sport Committee)) 14 April

Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Bill (Ex) Stage 1 (evidence, lead committee (Education, Lifelong Learning and Culture Committee)) 21 April

Control of Dogs (Scotland) Bill (M) Stage 3 (debate, meeting of the Parliament) 22 April

Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Bill (Ex) Stage 2 (Day 5) (Justice Committee) 27 April

Crofting Reform (Scotland) Bill (Ex) Stage 1 (lead committee (Rural Affairs and Environment Committee)) 21 April

End of Life Assistance (Scotland) Bill (M) Stage 1 (lead committee (End of Life Assistance (Scotland) Bill 20 April Committee)

Forth Crossing Bill (H) Stage 1 (lead committee (Forth Crossing Bill Committee)) 21 April

Housing (Scotland) Bill (Ex) Stage 1 (evidence, lead committee (Local Government and Communities Committee) 21 April

Interpretation and Legislative Reform (Scotland) Bill (Ex) Stage 3 (debate, meeting of the Parliament) 28 April

Legal Services (Scotland) Bill (Ex) Stage 1 Report (Justice Committee) published 12 March

Patient Rights (Scotland) Bill (Ex) Introduced 17 March

Public Services Reform (Scotland) Bill (Ex) Passed 25 March

Scottish Parliamentary Commissions and Commissioners etc. Bill (C) Stage 2 (Finance Committee) 4 May All amendments should be lodged by 12 noon on Wednesday 28 April with the clerks to the committee

William Simpson’s Home (Transfer of Property etc.) (Scotland) Bill (P) Preliminary Stage (evidence, lead committee (William Simpson’s Home Transfer of Property etc.) (Scotland) Bill Committee)) 27 April

(Ex) = Executive Bill; (M) = Member’s Bill; (C) = Committee Bill; (P) = Private Bill; (H) = Hybrid Bill.

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Committee Take Evidence on Euthanasia Bill

Catholic parishes across the country have given support to the campaign to ensure that vulnerable people will not face the danger of having their life ended. The campaign under the auspices of the coalition ‘Care Not Killing’ has seen many thousands of cards being signed by Catholic parishioners. The cards indicate opposition to the End of Life Choices Bill which aims to introduce assisted suicide and euthanasia.

The cards have also been given support by many other Christian denominations as well as medical and caring professionals.

In the Scottish Parliament, where the issue will be decided, a new committee has been established to examine the bill in detail. This will involve taking evidence from interested groups. The Committee is eager to hear from those who have views on the matter and this can be sent to them by 12 May 2010 via the link

www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/committees/endLifeAsstBill/currentInquiries.htm

The deadline for evidence is by no means the last opportunity to get involved in this issue. The Catholic Parliamentary Office has been organising diocesan and parish talks on the issue and is now looking for additional volunteers who will be able to lead discussions in parishes where people want to learn more about the issues. It is important that those within the Church who may be tempted by the arguments for supporters of assisted suicide and euthanasia participate in such discussions to allow them to fully understand the issues at stake.

The Parliament will not vote on the bill until the committee has completed its scrutiny of the bill which is scheduled to last until November. The months until then will require politicians to be convinced that this is a bad piece of legislation and at the same time it has to be an opportunity to impact on public opinion. The simple points made on the card are therefore an easy way to contribute to passing on the message that there is much wrong with introducing this kind of law. With over a hundred thousand of these cards now in circulation that message will be taken on board by many.

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Consultations

Tree Preservation Orders (09/07/2010)

A consultation paper on the governance of the National Library of Scotland (23/06/2010)

Long Leases (Scotland) Bill - consultation and draft Bill (30/06/2010)

Consultation on Proposals for New Self-Directed Support Legislation (23/06/2010)

Eviction of Tenants in the Social Rented Sector: Protection of Tenants with Rent Arrears (28/05/2010)

Double Jeopardy (14/06/2010)

Low Carbon Economy discussion paper(22/06/2010)

NHS Pharmaceutical Services - Review of Control of Entry Arrangements (14/06/2010)

Stoma appliance remuneration and reimbursement arrangements, 2010-11 and 2011-12 (17/05/2010)

Consultation on Regulations to reduce Primary 1 Classes to a Maximum of 25 Pupils (11/06/2010)

Scottish Wild Salmon - Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) Application (04/06/2010)

Decriminalised Parking Enforcement - Variation of Level of Penalty Charge Notices (10/06/2010)

Cairngorms National Park: Consultation on draft Order to Modify Designation Order (31/05/2010)

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park: Consultation on draft Order to Modify Designation Order (31/05/2010)

Consolidation of Waste Management Licensing Regulations and associated amendments (21/05/2010)

Scotland's Future: Draft Referendum (Scotland) Bill Consultation Paper (30/04/2010)

A Strategy for Self Directed Support (07/05/2010)

Extending Permitted Development Rights For Domestic Micro-Wind Turbines and Air-Source Heat Pumps (30/04/2010)

Economic Returns from Variety Trialling in Scotland (09/10/2012)

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Tracking Down Party Information

The political parties have set out their ideas in their manifestos which provide the foundations for their election campaigns. These can be found online at the addresses below. There may be smaller parties or independent candidates in your constituency. You can look this up on our website at www.catholicvotersguide.org

Conservative— http://www.scottishconservatives.com/policy/manifesto

Labour— http://www.scottishlabour.org.uk/manifesto

Liberal Democrat— http://www.scotlibdems.org.uk/manifesto

Scottish National Party— http://www.snp.org/manifestos/westminster/2010

The Christian Institute has provided a convenient election guide which gives an overview of the party positions are in regard to issues likely to be of interest to Christian voters. It can be downloaded at http://www.christian.org.uk/election-2010/

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Bishops’ Election Statement

A general election has been called. The message the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland sends you is this: Make your faith count!

The political choices we face today are not the choices your parents and grandparents faced. They would never have voted for any candidate who refused to protect unborn human life, who supported experimentation on human embryos, or planned to assist unfortunate people to commit suicide. They would never have voted for a candidate who would undermine marriage and family in the way that has happened in recent years with cross-party support. They would never have voted for candidates who rejoiced in same sex unions. They would never have voted for candidates who would stop the Church offering adoption services. They would never have voted for candidates who were clearly hostile to the values they held dear. Your parents and grandparents voted for those they believed shared the same fundamental Christian values as they did. It is for us to do likewise to shape a society where the dignity of each individual and life itself is respected.

As Catholics we know the importance of protecting every human life and of the value that married family life gives to society. These values were once widely shared but times have changed. Many of those standing for election, of whatever party, do not share our basic principles and values. That is why we say to you: when you vote, make your faith count. Vote with your faith to protect human life; to support marriage and the family; to protect religious freedom; to protect Catholic education. Vote with your faith, and uphold the right of conscience and religious freedom.

In urging you to let your faith count at the ballot box, we ask you to think carefully before you cast your vote. Which candidate displays values closest to yours? Which candidate will best respect and protect your religious freedom and your freedom of conscience? Which candidate do you trust most to do a good job for you and your community?

As your bishops, it is not our intention to tell you which party to vote for. It is our duty to encourage you to engage with the political process and to vote for the candidate who best represents the values we, like our parents and grandparents before us, hold dear.

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