As the Scottish Government prepares to publish its Programme for Government, bishops have called for human dignity and the common good to be at the heart of its priorities.
Bishop John Keenan, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, said particular attention should be given to how policies affect the poorest and most vulnerable.
“Public policy should be judged by how it protects the weakest, supports families, strengthens communities and enables every person to flourish,” he said.
In a statement published today, Bishop Keenan calls for a consistent commitment to the protection of human life from conception until natural death, alongside action to tackle poverty, homelessness, addiction, mental ill-health and social isolation, and to ensure access to good palliative care.
The statement highlights the importance of:
- strengthening families and communities
- improving health and social care
- welcoming and supporting migrants and refugees
- protecting freedom of conscience and religion
- supporting Catholic schools and caring for creation.
Bishop Keenan said: “Human dignity is not granted by the state, nor earned by wealth, health, productivity, age, ability or social status. It belongs to every person.”
He concludes by assuring the Scottish Government and all elected representatives of the prayers of Scotland’s Catholic bishops.
The bishops hope the Programme for Government will “honour human dignity, strengthen the common good and give renewed hope to those who need it most.”
