Happy New Year! We pray and hope that 2024 will be blest and peaceful for all. 

Whenever we move into a new phase or life, a new project, a new year, we are, to a certain extent, entering the unknown. However, one thing we do know 2024 is that by this time next January, a General Election will have been called. I know that some of us have a rather jaundiced view of politics and politicians, but using our vote wisely is almost a moral obligation. May I present some subjects that we might want to place before our potential electoral candidates before the next election. I am sure that there are many more questions you can think of. Why not invite candidates to your parishes, deaneries and local areas. See what they have to say on these and other matters.

• The innate dignity of every human being; defending both the child in the womb, the good of the mother and an understanding of the immeasurable good of a child not yet born? 

• The dignified care for those who are terminally ill and dying while resisting the false compassion of assisted suicide or euthanasia? 

• The needs of those who are frequently neglected or discarded by society such as people with disabilities, older people, those who are homeless, those in prison and those trapped in modern slavery? 

• The process of integration of migrants and refugees who have made their homes here, challenging the global rise of xenophobia and racism that is so radically incompatible with our faith?

• The rights of those in our own communities and overseas who can see no end to the tunnel of extreme poverty, providing them with assistance and confronting the structural injustices that compound their suffering? 

• Care for our common home and tackle the climate emergency which threatens the future of our entire human family and is already having a profound impact upon the world’s poorest people? 

• Freedom of religion and belief, ensuring that everyone has the right to exercise their conscience and practise their creed freely without fear? 

• The cherishing of marriage, recognising the essential place of the family in the service of life and of society? 

• The right of parents to educate their children in accordance with their faith and support the work of Catholic schools in their contribution to society and their promotion of the common good? 

Jesus tells us, “I have come so that they may have life and have it to the full.” Informed by the work of our parishes, schools and charities, we should all approach this election as an opportunity to promote life, dignity and human flourishing for all. 

In blessed hope,