European Elections – call from Christians in Europe
Ahead of the elections for the European Parliament taking place in May 2014, The Rt Revd John McDowell, Bishop of Clogher, Chairman of the Church of Ireland’s Commission for Christian Unity and Dialogue, has commended the following publication saying:
‘European Elections 2014: it’s about Europe, about you has been circulated by a number of Christian organisations in Europe, including the Conference of European Churches, in order to alert their members to the importance of casting their vote in the forthcoming elections to the European Parliament.
‘The MEPs to be elected in both Northern Ireland and the Republic in May will have considerable influence on the framing of EU laws and budgets over the next five years. A constant criticism of the EU is that there is insufficient contact between the Union and its citizens, and the election of MEPs to an increasingly important Parliament is one way in which Church members can express their views.
‘Our Commission for Christian Unity and Dialogue commends the leaflet to your attention.’
The leaflet is available for download at www.ecumenicalvoices2014.eu and the text is found below:
In May 2014 elections for the European Parliament will take place. Representatives from the 28 Member States of the European Union will be elected to decide the policies of the EU for the next five years.
Due to changes in EU law, the next European Parliament will have stronger legislative powers than before. As a result, the opportunity for voters to influence EU policy has never been greater.
This election is an opportunity to voice our visions and aspirations for the future. We, as a group of churches and Christian NGOs, aspire towards:
- A European Union based on the combination of a social market economy and high levels of social standards and protection
- A European Union of values which upholds and cherishes diversity, caring for its most vulnerable people
- A European Union that welcomes migrants and refugees
- A European Union which always stands up for and protects Human Rights
- A European Union that cares for God’s creation, effectively addressing climate change and implementing effective environmental policies
- A European Union that works on the eradication of poverty in a globalised world
We hope that you will use your vote in the EP election to elect a Parliament that will share our visions. Your vote matters. Use it to create a fairer Europe that promotes peace and justice for all.