Archbishop : Use Your Vote For The Common Good

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Use your vote for the common good: Archbishop Chia

04:47 AM May 02, 2011

SINGAPORE - The head of the Catholic Church in Singapore has urged

his flock here to take an "active role in the political process" and vote for 

the common good. Archbishop Nicholas Chia said that they must not 

forget the poor, elderly and the marginalize in society.

In a letter published in the May 8 edition of the Catholic News, the Archbishop 

wrote: "As we approach the 2011 General Election, I wanted to share with you 

my thoughts on the relationship between Church and State and highlight to 

you the importance of taking an active role in the political process.

"When considering the issues and the candidate that will represent us in 

the upcoming election, we as Catholics must reflect on our duty to use 

our free vote to further the common good, while remaining true to the 

Christian values Jesus has taught us.

"Human rights and the dignity of the human person must be respected.

"We must also ensure that the poor, the elderly and the marginalised 

in our society are cared for."

He also called on Catholics here to care for the environment.

"We must protect the beautiful world that God has given us 

by addressing the impact that our actions have on the environment," he said. 

"The right to vote is one of the founding principles of a democracy. 

Each one of us has a voice and can make a difference in the world we 

live through our choices and the election process.

"Each vote is significant."