Bishops on elections. (News in Brief: Slovakia).

Bratislava--The Catholic bishops of Slovakia published a letter on the eve of the general elections, calling on the faithful to shun candidates who do not respect fundamental values. Slovaks went to the polls for the third time since the country's independence from the Czech Republic. Observers expected many voters would skip the elections. The bishops' letter, which was read in churches, reminded the faithful that "the elections are not a magic wand." "Nevertheless," it said, "in the present context, this event, in which the country's direction is being decided, is very important." Catholics comprise about 3.6 million of Slovakia's 5.4 million people.

The episcopal conference stresses the moral obligation to participate in the elections "because, in abstaining, the candidate that the voter rejects is favoured." "We are concerned over the fact that those who do not respect Christian and human values might place themselves in the leadership of our country," the bishops' letter continued. It appealed to the faithful to participate in the elections responsibly, with awareness and knowledge. (Zenit, Sept. 23/02).