Author:
Publication: Zenit.org
Date: September 20, 2002
The Catholic bishops of Slovakia
published a letter on the eve of the general elections, calling on the
faithful to shun candidates who do not respect fundamental values.
Today and Saturday, Slovaks are
going to the polls for the third time since the country's independence
from the Czech Republic. Observers expect many voters will skip the elections.
The bishops' letter, which was read
in churches, reminded the faithful that "the elections are not a magic
wand."
"Nevertheless," it said, "in the
present context, this event, in which the country's direction is being
decided, is very important." Catholics comprise about 3.6 million of Slovakia's
5.4 million people.
The episcopal conference stresses
the moral obligation to participate in the elections "because in abstaining,
the candidate that the voter rejects is favored."
"We are concerned over the fact
that those who do not respect Christian and human values might place themselves
in the leadership of our country," the bishops' letter continues. It appeals
to the faithful to participate in the elections "responsibly, with awareness
and knowledge."
