Pretoria — The Catholic Bishops of Southern Africa have called for responsible preparation for next year's elections in South Africa.

Archbishop Buti Tlhagale, President of the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference, called on all South Africans to diligently prepare to vote in the elections which are scheduled for early 2009.

In a statement released Thursday, the archbishop noted that voting was a serious obligation for all Christians - and that voting was not only about making a mark on Election Day, but that the obligation extended to preparation for voting.

"Voting expresses our love and concern for our county and for the common good of all who live in South Africa", said the Catholic Archbishop of Johannesburg.

"Politically motivated hate speech, intimidation, violence and disruption kill democracy. We must tolerate the different views of others. Not to respect the views of others and their right to support the party of their choice is unchristian and undemocratic. Violence, or the threat of violence towards those who differ from us, or to parties other than the one you support is unchristian and undemocratic. To vote responsibly means that you need to prepare well so that you know what you are doing."

The archbishop suggested that churches and other organizations should organise meetings so that there could be debate about what is best for the country.

The Catholic Bishops of Southern Africa also recalled how the Prayer of St Francis for peace supported the struggle for democracy and proposed the prayer to all people of goodwill as a reminder of their responsibility to be instruments of peace.

The Pastoral Statement is to be read in all Catholic churches within South Africa.