To Be a People of Hope’- The Irish Catholic Bishops’ Statement before the Election 

by Joe McVeigh

The Irish Catholic Bishops have issued a statement in advance of the Election on 29^th November. They focus on the Christian values that should be part of the Dialogue with Candidates and Parties. They focus especially on the need for Hope in political life and the need for Dialogue about the Common Good. They appeal for more dialogue between politicians and Church and voluntary groups. 

I think this is a valuable contribution from the Catholic church leaders to the discussion about some of the big issues facing the people at this time in our history. It is challenging and well written. 

  The bishops say: “Despite the indications of a buoyant economy, too many people in Ireland are still suffering financial hardships due to increased costs of food and energy.  Also, the inability of so many individuals and families to acquire a home of their own affects social cohesion.  

Alongside this, the continuing increase in the levels of homelessness is a scandal.  The latest available figures (September 2024) show that there are 14,760 people homeless in Ireland – the highest figure ever.  Of these, 4,561 are children.  For a country with such resources at its disposal, this situation is totally unacceptable. “  They repeat  an earlier appeal that citizens should welcome those who come to us in their need.

The also repeat  the principle that people should value every life in every condition:
“We believe that an absolute commitment to dignity, value and right to life of every person – at every stage and in every condition of life – is vital for the sustaining of a vibrant, hope-filled cohesive, flourishing society. 

“In recent years we have witnessed the introduction of a very liberal abortion law in Ireland…And some politicians want to make it even more liberal.  Now we have efforts being made to make legislative provision for ‘assisted dying’ in Ireland.  A recent report from an Oireachtas Committee has made recommendations to the incoming Government that assisted dying be allowed in certain, restricted circumstances.  We totally reject that recommendation because a fundamental principle of civilised society is that no person can lawfully take the life of another.

 “We must continually remind our political leaders at every level of their responsibility to protect the future of our planet, our common home. “

 The Bishops urge people to work so that peace may reign in our hearts and our world:

“The war in Gaza and the Middle East must stop now.  Enough is enough!  The plight of the people of the region is horrendous.  So too is the inability of the international community to act to bring about a ceasefire and a longer-term solution to the questions involved.  Similarly, the international community has a role to play in bringing peace to Ukraine and to other areas of conflict in our world, including Sudan, Myanmar, and Yemen.  War, militarisation and the proliferation of arms, is a stain on our humanity. 
 
“In our own land we give thanks to God that the political institutions in Northern Ireland are once again up and running.  We encourage the Governments of Ireland and Britain to continue to support the Assembly and Executive in their work of governance for all the people of that part of our island.  In this context, both Governments must continue to enhance measures that will genuinely address legacy issues, build true reconciliation at every level and underpin investment within Northern Ireland and on a cross-border basis.”  

The Bishops claim that Church-State structured dialogue is not functioning and in need of review.

 “To be a ‘People of Hope’, we must listen to one another.  In a fracturing society, real and meaningful social dialogue is needed so that people actually feel their voice is being heard and that they have a contribution to make.  Government must engage purposefully with all sectors of society, including the community and voluntary sector.  Churches and faith communities have an important contribution to bring to this national and local conversation by helping – with others – build and sustain an Ireland that protects and values the potential of every person.  

“The current structures for Church-State dialogue are not functioning for the greater good of society and are in need of review.  Any such structures must be made work so that the voice of Churches and other faith communities can be heard and contribute to a national re-awakening based on the reality of people’s lives, and not ideology or special interests.  As a Church, we are open to engaging with Government and with other Churches and faiths on this question.”

 In conclusion, the Bishops state:
“In this 2024 election message, we set out some of the principal areas for reflection as we seek to bring the values of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to our national conversation.  We do so respectfully.
 
“If our politicians fail to give us reasons to hope; if they fail to engage with people of all sectors in society – including with voices of faith – then they contribute to the fracturing of society and the lowering of confidence in political institutions.”
 
I suggest that voters and candidates should read the Bishops’ statement in full. It might have something important to say to all at this critical time in our history and provide a basis for further discussion about the future of this island and this planet.. I welcome the substance and the tone of the statement from the Irish bishops. It is more thoughtful and thought-provoking than some of their statements in the past.