Church issues appeal on general elections

BELIZE

The Diocese of Belize City and Belmopan appealed to all registered voters in Belize to vote and exercise that right ahead of the general elections, March 12.

In a statement issued March 6, the Catholic Chancery Office stated that there may not be a candidate who reflects “the full range of a voter’s values or aspirations”; however, “we must not forget that it is a fundamental Christian duty to foster the common good by taking part in the democratic process.”

It said that as followers of Jesus Christ, “we share this reflection” based on the values of the Gospel and reflected by our Catholic Social Teaching, “rooted in the God-given dignity of every human life.”

The statement emphasised that the Catholic Church in Belize “is not aligned with any political party.”

It sees the general election as an opportunity and civic duty of all eligible voters in Belize to “exercise their right to advance the common good.”

“Regardless of who governs our nation, our Catholic doctrine and traditions remain unchanged,” the statement said. To this end, they urged all to take time to “fervently pray” for their beloved nation for a “peaceful and fair election.”

“Together, as Pilgrims of Hope, we pray for God’s blessings on us,” the statement concluded.