AMERICA/ARGENTINA - In view of presidential and legislative elections, Bishop of Rio Gallegos issues Pastoral Letter: priorities include life, family, common good, social inclusion, federalism

Rio Gallegos (Agenzia Fides) - “We must discover our calling to work for the common good and shoulder responsibility for the social and political life in our province and in the country” Bishop Juan Carlos Romanín, Bishop of Rio Gallegos in Argentina, told his people in a Pastoral Letter on civil responsibility issued in view of presidential elections. Argentineans will be called to vote in presidential and legislative elections on 28 October to elect a President, a vice-president, 24 senators and 130 national congress members.
The Bishop says this year and the elections "are an opportunity to examine our social behaviour seriously, to see if we do our duty and if we exercise our rights". To make a choice it is necessary "be informed of the proposals and to exercise the freedom as a citizen". In the Letter the Bishop says elections must be transparent avoiding anything that "alters their profound significance or degrades civil culture ".
Among the challenges to be kept in mind the Bishop recalls respect for human life, "a gift of God and the first of all human rights which we must respect"; then the family, calling for its rights to be strengthened and for children to be educated to the authentic sense of love and social commitment; the common good, and its primacy which "sustains and fortifies the three powers of the state" and is consolidated "when the authorities pass just laws and guarantee respect for them". Bishop Romanin also stresses the importance of social inclusion "measures to guarantee the inclusion of all citizens", and federalism, which "presupposes more institutional power to the Provinces, and necessary and proper autonomy from the central government". Last of all he mentions government policies because experience shows that "a society does not necessarily grow when its economy grows, but above all when it becomes capable of dialogue, of reaching a consensus and consequently adopting state policies directed towards a common national programme". The Bishop concludes urging those who will assume responsibility for government in the areas of di Santa Cruz and Tierra del Fuego, to guarantee consultation, dialogue and justice. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 24/9/2007; righe 26, parole 356)