“Perhaps the most damaging consequence which flows from the increasing cultural dominance of consumerist capitalism is the emphasis which it places upon monetary success as a measure of personal worth,” the bishops said.
Banks and financial institutions need support as essential elements of a functioning economy and successful culture, the bishops said. However, “they must be at the service of society and contribute to the common good,” they added.
The bishops call for this change to take place through action based on “gratuitousness” – or free giving – and concern for solidarity among various social groups and a shared commitment to the common good.
They also urged efforts to strengthen the traditional family and to protect the right to life.
Their message takes inspiration from the teachings of the landmark 2009 document on social justice called “Caritas in Veritate” (Charity in Truth), in which Pope Benedict XVI appealed for recognition of the “integral development” of man as the core concern in in decision-making.
The time is right for change, say the bishops in the document. The parliamentary elections in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland offer a “crucial moment of political change; change which is taking place against the background of justifiable anger.”
The “wounds” of the crisis are deep and if they go untreated, say the bishops, they “could engender a cultural climate in which the specter of social fragmentation and violence cannot be ruled out.”
According to a Feb. 21 analysis in the Irish Times daily, change in government is on the way. Fianna Fail is predicted to lose its majority in the Republic's parliament for the first time since 1932 in favor of a single-party or coalition government led by the Fine Gael Party, the primary opposition.
A Times' survey showed satisfaction with the outgoing government to be at record lows. The paper predicted a win for Fine Gael's Enda Kenny as prime minister in the Feb. 25 election.
However, the outcome is still uncertain. The Times reported that 30 percent of voters still have not made up their minds.
Bishop Field said the bishops are urging Catholics and others to turn out for the elections.
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In a time of “great crisis” and widespread international neglect for the common good, this election is “particularly important,” he said.
“I certainly think that the Catholic voter should vote, number one, because every election is important, that they should vote according to their conscience and we hope that the sanctity and dignity of human life would be defended at all stages.”
He said that the bishops are also “hoping that the common good will be enshrined ... not just in the election but post-election as well.”