Bishops tell Britons to back candidates who support church teaching

Published: 2004-05-27

MANCHESTER, England (CNS) -- The Catholic bishops of England and Wales encouraged voters to back candidates who support Catholic Church teaching -- particularly "where innocent lives are at risk." In a 100-page booklet, "Cherishing Life," launched May 26, the bishops highlighted their concern to place "the gift of life" at the heart of all moral reflection and action. The bishops criticized U.N. initiatives that "consistently undermine human dignity by imposing population-control programs upon developing nations, including the promotion of abortion and sterilization." The bishops also criticized same-sex marriage, saying: "Only a relationship between a man and a woman can be a marriage. Attempting to create a legal category of 'same-sex marriage' threatens to undermine the meaning and status of marriage. Nonetheless, it may be necessary to remedy by law unjust situations in which the bonds of friendship are improperly disregarded (for instance, consultation regarding medical care or funeral arrangements)." Elections for the European Parliament representatives and local government officials are June 10.

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