French bishops, in pre-election statement, oppose anti-immigrant party
December 11, 2013
In a statement looking forward to local elections in March, the Catholic bishops of France have staked out their opposition to “populist” parties and politicians.
Although the December 11 statement from the administrative council of the French episcopal conference does not name any particular party, there is little doubt that the bishops have in mind the National Front, a rightist party that has built a strong anti-immigrant following. The bishops’ statement encourages support for candidates who are “firm in their humanity” and “care for everyone.”
The statement was signed by the 10 bishops of the administrative council, including the president of the bishops’ conference, Archbishop Georges Pontier of Marseilles; the vice-presidents, Archbishop Pierre-Marie Carré of Montpellier and Bishop Pascal Delannoy of St. Denis; and Cardinal André Vingt-Trois of Paris.
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Posted by: jg23753479 -
Dec. 11, 2013 12:35 PM ET USA
This of course will change not one vote in the election. Those alarmed by the tsunami of Muslim immigrants in France will still vote for the FN. In fact, that party is much changed since Jean Marie Le Pen left its leadership. At the moment, its platform makes a lot of common sense. This is a political fight the bishops should stay out of because their recommendations are not just vague and bland, they are counterproductive and alienating for large segments of the French population.
