We, representatives of Polish movement to defend human life and household rights, gathered before the Wonderful Image of Our woman of Czestochowa, remind that all citizen – a Catholic is personally liable for the form of the law, including the law concerning the defence of the life of unborn children, established in our homeland.
Every Catholic is obliged to participate actively in political life, especially in elections
The exercise of electoral law comes straight from the Catechism of the Catholic Church (2240), which derives this work from joint work for the common good. besides the pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern planet Gaudium et spes calls on the faithful to participate actively in public life, based on their consciences and Christian values (31). Saint John Paul II called in the encyclical Evangelium vitae to participate responsibly in political life, guided by Christian consciences and values, especially as regards the defence of human life and dignity (73) St. John Paul II on June 19, 1983, here at Jasna Góra, taught that it was the attitude to the gift of life that “is the explanation and basic test of the authentic relation of man to God and man, or the explanation and test of authentic religiousness and morality.” These words have repeatedly been cited by us as a reliable guide to political choices and voting on individual politicians.
Participation in elections is simply a moral duty
All citizens have a moral work to participate in public life, especially in parliamentary and presidential elections. In particular, Catholics have a work to usage their voice to support candidates and parties who warrant respect for values consistent with the teaching of the Church, Among another things, in areas specified as protecting life from conception to natural death, caring for the family, justice, and helping the poorest.
We must make a wise, liable choice of the future president of the Republic of Poland
Due to the upcoming elections with concern, we are following pre-election declarations from the candidates of the 2 largest political groups. The Citizen Coalition candidate, Rafał Trzaskowski, openly declares that he will influence ruling politicians to increase the availability of killing unborn children, including abortion “on demand”. During the interview on TVP Info, the current president of Warsaw announced: “I will not pass up the issue of liberalisation of abortion law, due to the fact that I will put even more force on the ruling coalition to comply with its promises."
Can Catholics vote for politicians who let legal access to abortion?
The Church has a clear position here – the Catechism of the Catholic Church (2271) states that "since conception, human life should be respected and protected in an absolute way." Saint John Paul II in the Encyclical already cited Evangelium vitae stressed that Catholics have a moral work to argue laws and practices that violate the sanctity of life, including abortion. In the Doctrine Note on any aspects of Catholic activity and conduct in political life, the Congregation for the Doctrine of religion states that believers must realize that laws must defend the fundamental right to life from conception to its natural end.
Let us remember that in the Seym “The Extraordinary Commission to consider draft laws on abortion rights” we anticipate 4 further draft laws to liberalise access to abortion. Their subsequent railroads will now depend primarily on the president chosen by Poles. Let us remember that Catholics who vote for a candidate for legal admissibility of abortion take serious moral blame.
Appeal to the authorities of the Republic of Poland to respect the constitutional right to life
We address the authorities of the Republic of Poland with due respect, but besides with full determination. Our aim is to remind about the fundamental principles of the regulation of law, which are the work of all authority in a democratic state.
The Constitution of the Republic of Poland in Article 38 explicitly states that the Republic of Poland provides for the legal protection of life for all man. This provision leaves no uncertainty – the life of all human being, since conception, is protected by the highest legal act. Its adherence is not a substance of choice, but an absolute work resulting from the oath of allegiance to the Constitution.
We so call for strict compliance with Article 38 of the Constitution in all legislative processes, judicial decisions and public administration activities. The right to life must not be subject to reinterpretation arising from political, worldview or economical considerations.
Life is the first and most precious human right. Its protection is not only the legal work of the authorities, but besides the moral commitment to future generations. We believe that, as representatives of the Nation, you will take action to strengthen Poland's position as a country that upholds fundamental values.
On behalf of the pilgrims
Wojciech Zięba, Polish Life Defenders Association,
Paweł Wosicki, Foundation “A Voice for Life”,
Adam Kisiel, the Crusade of Prayer in the defence of the Concepted Children,
Lech Łuczyński, Coalition for Life and Family
Contact:
Wojciech Zięba, president of the Polish Life Defenders Association,
Krewoderska 24/6, 31–142 Kraków, tel. 12 421 08 43,
Email: [email protected], www.pro-life.pl
