Alberta’s Anglican and Catholic bishops are urging voters to consider the effects of their choices on others, particularly newcomers and people in vulnerable situations, when they cast ballots in the province’s Oct. 19 referendum. Their open letters call for compassion and attention to the common good but do not endorse yes or no votes on separation or on whether Alberta should seek greater control over immigration.

The letters were issued late in the week before publication. Both address the referendum’s immigration questions, which include five measures that, if approved, would give the Alberta government moral authority to ask Ottawa for more control over immigration numbers. Polls cited in the Edmonton Journal’s report indicated Albertans were leaning toward voting yes on those five measures.

The debate over whether religion and politics should mix has a long history, but the bishops’ letters focus on how voters should assess the proposals. Last week, Alberta Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration Joseph Schow said ballot measures that could limit immigration and impose user fees for health care and education target temporary foreign workers and students, not people with permanent residency in Canada.

The Anglican letter was signed by three bishops: The Most Rev. Greg Kerr-Wilson, Bishop of Calgary; the Rt. Rev. David Greenwood, Bishop of Athabasca; and the Rt. Rev. Stephen London, Bishop of Edmonton. They reminded followers that the Bible gives them a duty to welcome and care for people who are strangers and sojourners in their communities.

The Anglican bishops also referred to the New Testament story of the Good Samaritan, writing that Jesus did not tell his disciples to choose who qualified as a neighbour. “Jesus is clear that our neighbour is not just those who we think truly belong; rather, we have a responsibility to support and protect the lives, dignity, and worth of everyone we meet, regardless of their identity or status in our eyes,” the bishops wrote.

They urged Albertans to look beyond their individual interests and the interests of Alberta alone. “When we reflect on these referendum questions as disciples of Christ, we are encouraged to do so not only in terms of what is best for ourselves as individuals, or best for Alberta alone, but rather with a concern for the common good. In other words, with an eye for how our decisions will impact all our neighbours - especially those who are most vulnerable.”

The Catholic letter was signed by Rev. Stephen A. Hero, Archbishop of Edmonton; Most Rev. William McGrattan, Bishop of Calgary; Most Rev. David Motiuk, Bishop of the Ukrainian Eparchy of Edmonton; Most Rev. Charles Duval, Archbishop of Grouard-McLennan; and Most Rev. Gary Franken, Bishop of St. Paul.

The Catholic bishops said those who live prosperously have an obligation to care for people who do not. Their letter states: “The Church teaches that more prosperous nations are obliged, to the extent they are able, to welcome those seeking safety and the means of livelihood,” and says public authorities also have a responsibility to regulate immigration for the common good. It adds that newcomers have duties toward the society that receives them.

The bishops acknowledged concerns about resources and access to public services, saying they deserve careful consideration. “Legitimate concerns about resources and access to public services merit careful consideration. They must be addressed in ways that respect human dignity and avoid making any segment of our population the object of resentment or blame. Within our parishes, those who feel uncertain about their place in society should find welcome and pastoral care.”

The letters make no recommendation on Alberta separation. Instead, their guidance asks voters to consider how referendum decisions may affect neighbours, including newcomers and people who may be uncertain about their place in society.

Based on reporting by Edmonton Journal.