QLD Bishops weigh in on poll principles

Catholic bishops have for the first time entered the fray ahead of a Queensland election, demanding an increase in school funding and action on climate change.

The church has a responsibility to speak up on behalf of those who may not always be heard,’ says Archbishop Mark Coleridg. Photo: Glenn Hunt / The Australian

Catholic bishops have for the first time entered the political fray ahead of a Queensland election, demanding an increase in school funding and action on climate change.

The bishops will on Monday issue a statement listing eight areas they believe the congregation — made up of about 380,000 families — should consider when casting their votes on October 31.

Premier Annastacia Palas­zczuk and Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington are expected to ­attend the delivery of the statement by Archbishop Mark ­Coleridge, Townsville Bishop Tim Harris and Toowoomba Bishop Robert McGuckin at the ­Cathedral of St Stephen in ­Brisbane.

“As Catholic citizens, we have the opportunity, like all citizens, to participate in the electoral process, to use our voice and our vote for the benefit of the whole community,” the bishops will say.

“As bishops, we offer this statement as a way of sharing key points of Catholic teaching that you may want to reflect upon as we prepare for the state election.”

The bishops have urged policymakers to focus on climate change and better fund palliative care as the state pushes for euthanasia laws.

They also ask for the next government to encourage entrepreneurial activity, increase regional and remote healthcare, raise Catholic school funding, particularly for disadvantaged students, improve the regulatory framework for aged care, better resource ­social and pastoral care and commit to closing the gap between ­Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

Archbishop Mark Coleridge speaks at St Stephen's Chapel in Brisbane. Picture: Glenn Hunt

Key to the statement is the call for “solidarity” to deal with the coronavirus pandemic and the ­social and economic challenges it poses, particularly for the poor and vulnerable.

“No political party fully aligns with Catholic teaching, but we can point to clear and enduring principles which can help us make the kind of responsible judgments that allow us to be both faithful Catholics and good citizens,” the bishops will say.

Archbishop Coleridge said the statement was not designed to tell Catholics how to vote but to stimulate discussion around issues ­important to the church.

“The days of the church attempting to dictate its views are long gone but we have a responsibility to talk about the issues that we see on the ground in the many different ways in which the Catholic Church is involved in our communities,” he said.

“We are everywhere in Queensland through our schools, our outreach work, our parishes and in ways in which some people may not consider.

“It’s a privilege to be involved with Queenslanders in so many parts of their lives but that also brings about a responsibility to speak up on behalf of those who may not always be heard.”

Archbishop Coleridge said the election was particularly important as the state seeks a path out of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Fortunately, the church has weathered its share of tough times in 2000 years so we can offer experience drawn from all centuries and all parts of the world,” he said.

In the statement, the bishops acknowledge the credibility of the church has been undermined by ongoing revelations of child sexual abuse within its ranks but say the reflections are offered in the “spirit of solidarity” from those who care for society’s most vulnerable.

The Catholic Church in Queensland is made up of five ­dioceses — Brisbane, Rockhampton, Townsville, Cairns and Toowoomba — which have more than 200 combined parishes.

Within the dioceses, there are 307 Catholic schools which are home to almost 150,000 students and 21,000 staff.