Catholic voters urged to support life, family

By DEBORAH GYAPONG
Canadian Catholic News
Ottawa

The family is under attack and Canadian society has lost its respect for human life and dignity, says the Catholic Organization for Life and Family (COLF).

Canadians have a choice in the upcoming federal election to choose what kind of country they build for future generations, says the Jan. 4 letter entitled "What country for tomorrow?"

COLF is co-sponsored by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Knights of Columbus.

In its letter to Canadian Catholics, COLF says the loss of respect for human life is evident through "the legal void that permits abortion right up to birth; medical research that authorizes the destruction of embryos; a mentality that increasingly favours euthanasia and assisted suicide; the gratuitous violence in our schoolyards; abuse of women and children; the violent deaths of young men; the silence that surrounds so many situations of poverty; the widespread incidence of prostitution, pornography and drugs."

"As we prepare to elect a new government, we must determine the position of candidates on the first of all human rights: the right to life. If this is not respected, should we be surprised that other rights will sooner or later be threatened?"

The letter also describes the family as "under attack," especially through the redefinition of marriage, and says it is urgent to pass on to future generations what God's plan is for marriage and the family.

The COLF letter further warns of the threats to freedom of religion by an "erroneous understanding of the separation of Church and state."

"We are witnessing an obvious effort by some in society who wish to relegate religion to the private lives of citizens," COLF says. "This aggressive secular ideology refuses religion the right to exist in the public square."

The letter urges Catholics to examine all the party platforms with discernment, and get involved in the political process.

"The question for the Catholic voter is: How, in the light of the Gospel, can I use my vote to advance the common good in Canada and throughout the world?"

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