Christian Unity and Dialogue16 Apr 14

Commission for Christian Unity and Dialogue Commends ‘European Elections 2014: it’s about Europe, about You’ Call

The Commission for Christian Unity and Dialogue has commended the ‘Call from Christians in Europe’ leaflet available at www.ecumenicalvoices2014.eu in advance of the May 2014 elections.

The Rt Revd John McDowell, Bishop of Clogher, Chairman of the Commission for Christian Unity and Dialogue, says:

‘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 document says: ‘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.