Focus on candidates' values, personalities

In their latest pastoral letter published during this pre-election period, Archbishop Paul Cremona and Gozo Bishop Mario Grech point out to the basic values that Christians should keep in mind before voting. These are "the dignity of every person, whatever nationality, from conception till death; the practical protection of the values of marriage and the family".

Choosing a programme is not enough. People have to be chosen to implement it. Personalities are as important as issues. Voters should choose those candidates "who in our opinion will faithfully and honestly put into effect the mandate given to them by the people".

In this context the bishops have a special word, nay a special mission, for those Christians who enter the political arena in answer to their calling as Christians. The mission entrusted by the bishops is that "in their commitment in a party, they remember that they are Christians and therefore should strive to influence their own parties, from the inside, on that which through their own activity can be performed better and that which could be improved in their own party".

The bishops call upon these persons to "purify their own party from any attitude that goes against the values of the Gospel, such as words that hurt, disrespect for any person whether or not involved in politics, and similar attitudes".

The bishops go to the heart of the matter: The choice before us concerns values as well as principles and projects. This choice concerns the co-ordination of "the traditional values of our society, many of which have their origins in our Christian heritage, with the exigencies of modern society".

The bishops show a great deal of realism when they highlight the need for this co-ordination, which is essential for our society's well being. It is also a very difficult task. Our society is increasingly adopting the traits of a pluralistic society. Living together and adopting a public policy acceptable to all is far from easy in such a society.

A most innovative aspect of the pastoral letter concerns the post-election period. The bishops propsed that "political parties start taking decisions, which are made known to the people, on the kind of attitude they want to follow after the elections, whatever the service the party will be giving to the country, in Government or in Opposition.

"We would like to see, as from now, the political parties promising to collaborate together as servants of one nation, especially in social matters, such as the drug problem; young people and their future; usury; the protection of stability in marriage and the family; the environment; and the historical heritage."

There are still enough days left before the election for politicians to make such a commitment.