Mexico City, Mexico, Jul 2, 2009 / 02:36 pm (CNA).- Archbishop Jose Fernandez Arteaga wrote in an article this week that after the elections in Mexico this coming Sunday, Christians “have the duty to collaborate” with those who are elected. In doing so, they should defend non-negotiable values such as the defense of life and the family.
 
“All citizens have the right and at the same time, the duty to cast their free vote to promote the common good.  The Church praises and inspires the work of those who, in the service of mankind, devote themselves to the public good and accept the burdens of office,” the archbishop said.
 
“Christians are prepared to exercise this duty in a responsible way,” he continued. “They have objective reasons for exercising their free and thoughtful vote.  They are willing to accept those who end up elected, and since no one is able to fulfill his or her responsibilities alone, they are willing to collaborate in that task.”
 
At the same time, he pointed out, Christians understand that all authority comes from God.  “God accepts our system, which nowadays is democratic, to present him our candidate. This is effective suffrage,” he said.
 
In order to facilitate the exercising of voters’ civic duties this Sunday, Archbishop Arteaga informed the faithful that he is dispensing some of the faithful from attending Mass on Sunday. Those permitted to miss Sunday worship are “those who have duties to perform that are incompatible with the obligation, as well as those who in order to cast their vote at the proper polling place would undergo special difficulties in fulfilling the Sunday obligation.”

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