Catholic voters in the UK should approach the coming referendum on withdrawal from the European Union not merely as an economic question, but in light of what would best serve the common good, the bishops of England and Wales have said.
The outcome of the referendum “will have consequences for the future not only of the UK, but for Europe and for the world” the bishops said in a statement, urging voters to pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit and to inform themselves of the arguments on both sides of the debate.
Aftermath
Recalling how “the coming together of European countries in the aftermath of a catastrophic war was designed to bind together former combatants” the bishops said “the contribution of the European project to peace in Western Europe should be recognised” and noted how Pope Francis observed in November 2014 that “the ideals which shaped this European project from the beginning were peace, subsidiarity and solidarity”.
Voters should make their decisions “in the context of how best we can promote justice and peace”, the bishops said, emphasising the need to focus on the human person and to build a Europe “which revolves not around the economy but around the sacredness of the human person, around inalienable values”.
Acknowledging that many people have “justifiable concerns” about the European Union, the bishops said the referendum is “an opportunity to reflect on those values we cherish as a nation and as Catholics”.