MEMBERS of the Mothers' Union have been urged to vote in the
forthcoming election in a new political pamphlet released by the
society.
The booklet Get Involved: General Election 2015 quotes
from the House of Bishops' pastoral letter (News, 20
February). It encourages its members to use their vote to build
the common good. "This is . . . a call to our members to pray and
reflect on the issues, for the candidates, and for the type of
society we wish to create for future generations," it says.
The Mothers' Union argues that Jesus left his followers with a
mandate to bring God's Kingdom to earth, and part of this
necessitates engaging with the political process, which has the
power to enact change. "As we prepare to cast our vote this May,
let us do so with discernment, motivated by our faith and love for
our neighbour."
Besides exhorting its members to vote, the booklet also explains
how Parliament and elections work, and gives information on
registering to vote, and how to stand as a candidate or organise a
hustings.
It also asks members to question candidates on the issues on
which the MU is campaigning, such as gender-based violence, more
flexible parental leave, and the sexualisation of childhood.