(4) The churches' statement is not an alternative expert opinion or another annual report on the economy. The churches are not a political party. They do not aspire to political power in order to implement a specific programme. Their mandate and their competence in the field of economic and social policy is to work for a value orientation serving the good of all. They consider themselves especially committed to advocacy for those who are easily forgotten in economic and political planning because they cannot speak out clearly themselves: the poor, the disadvantaged and powerless, coming generations, and dumb creatures. In this way they want to set the scene for political activity inspired by solidarity and justice.

(5) The consultation process is an excellent example of this intention. It has been an intensive process of awareness raising and learning together. That is more connected with political action than may appear at first sight. In a democracy the ability and willingness to act politically are determined by the attitudes and behaviour of all citizens. The more the contribution of the church, for example in the consultation process, succeeds in changing attitudes and behaviour and thereby extending political room for manoeuvre, the more successful it will be. Conversely, the less it inspires in this respect, the less successful it will be. In a democracy political room for manoeuvre depends on the attitudes and behaviour of voters. But politicians cannot be relieved of their responsibility to make courageous use of all available, and newly created, scope for action.

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