Vote with conscience
National
Australia’s Catholic bishops have warned of increasingly polarised political discourse in the lead up to the Federal Election 2025 and the need for “careful consideration of the facts”.
Released after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that the election would be held on May 3, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference statement condemns rising antisemitism and all forms of hatred or discrimination.
“Unfortunately, in recent months, here in Australia, some have even turned to violence as a means of political expression,” it says.
“Our democracy is defined by our commitment to resolving issues peacefully through dialogue and democratic processes.”
The Bishops Commission for Life, Family and Public Engagement, which prepared the statement, says Catholics have an obligation to form their consciences through reason, sacred Scripture and Church teachings so that, in the words of St Paul, we “put on the mind of Christ”.
“This demands careful consideration of the facts and the background to our decisions…”
The Commission encourages people to reflect on key issues before voting and base their choices on the sanctity of life, protection of the vulnerable, support and strengthening of families, care for creation, promotion of the common good and fostering a just society where all Australians can thrive.
“The Church calls for fairness and justice in health care, infrastructure, economic and cost of living management…We teach that economic systems must serve people, not the other way around, with decisions made responsibly and equitably to improve the lives of all, particularly the most vulnerable or disadvantaged.”
On religious freedom, the statement says it is a fundamental human right that must be protected for individuals, families and faith-based institutions. It says parents must have the freedom to choose faith-based schools for their children.
