Polling Day

After a month long election circus, Britain finally goes to the polls today. If you have not yet put your cross on a ballot paper you have until 10.00pm tonight to do so. As Christians we have a duty to exercise our right to vote and to do so not by worldly standards but in the light of the truth of faith and human reason. Our choices can significantly affect many lives, especially the lives of the most vulnerable people in society, such as the poor, human embryos, children in the womb, and those who are terminally ill.

Catholic citizens have a serious moral obligation to exercise their right to vote. What is more we have a duty to vote guided by a well-formed conscience. The Bishops of England and Wales have published a document exploring these issues Choosing the Common Good. British Catholics should also remember the blood that has been spilt and the lives that have been lost in the name of Catholic emancipation.

Every morning in the House of Commons, the Speaker's chaplain reads this prayer. It is rather apt today as all voters are in a position of great responsibility:

Lord, the God of righteousness and truth,

grant to our Queen and her government, to Members of Parliament

and all in positions of responsibility,

the guidance of your Spirit.

May they never lead the nation wrongly

through love of power, desire to please, or unworthy ideals

but laying aside all private interests and prejudices keep in mind their responsibility to seek to improve the condition of all mankind;

so may your kingdom come and your name be hallowed.

Amen.