A PASTORAL letter will be read out at all Catholic churches in East Renfrewshire this weekend to urge parishioners to take part in the General Election.

The pre-election message from Scotland’s Catholic Bishops stresses that society “will be judged on how it treats its poorest and most vulnerable citizens.”

Parishioners are also asked to be informed by the teachings of the Church when deciding how to vote.

The detailed statement lists human life, marriage and the family, poverty, asylum and religious freedom as key areas.

And it states: “Any laws which permit the wilful ending of life must always be rejected as reprehensible and unjust.”

Catholic voters will also be asked to “remind our politicians that abortion, assisted suicide and euthanasia are always morally unacceptable.”

The letter continues: “The wellbeing of society depends on the flourishing and health of family life and those in authority should respond to this with policies that create economic and other advantages for families with children.”

Church leaders, including Bishop John Keenan, of the Diocese of Paisley, which includes East Renfrewshire, also note that “poverty continues to be a scourge for many at home and abroad, while too many people still struggle to make ends meet.”

Addressing religious freedom, the letter asks voters to make sure their candidates are “committed to the right of people not to be forced to act against their conscience.”

Anthony Horan, director of the Catholic Parliamentary Office, said: “This General Election provides an opportunity for Catholics to take their beliefs into the polling station and elect MPs who share their concerns.”