Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
San José (Agenzia Fides) - "The people of Costa Rica are about to take part in an important national event and in the struggle for justice as your Bishops we cannot stay in the sidelines" the Catholic Bishops of Costa Rica affirm in a statement issued in view of a referendum on a Free Trade Agreement to be held on 7 October. This is the first time in the country and in central America that the people have the opportunity to express an opinion with regard to the Free Trade Agreement with the United States. The Bishops of Costa Rica reaffirm their commitment to "illuminate with the Gospel and the Social Doctrine of the Church, the being and vicissitudes of the national community".
They begin by urging all Costa Ricans to take part in the referendum, " to exercise our civic duty and the right to vote according to conscience, illuminated by the moral principles proposed by the Magisterium of the Church". They explain that also the FTA "is only a tool for trade policies…it cannot justify itself with the benefit of only a few, but with that of all groups of citizens". From this point of view the Bishops say priority must be given to “the principles of justice, equity, solidarity, preference for the poor, autonomy, participation, dialogue and respect for the environment".
The statement then poses questions to help discern if these principles are present in the FTA: "Will it correct or increase the growing national social and economic divide? Will it help eradicate poverty or will it leave the roots of poverty intact? Will it strengthen or weaken the nation's ability to decide with autonomy about its own development? Will it make Costa Rican producers stronger or weaker compared to their trade partners?
The bishops say they do not intend to advise people whether to vote yes or no in the referendum, this is the task of lay people, but they do urge all social sectors to ensure that after the referendum, “there is respect for the rule of law and for the outcome of the vote with maturity and serenity, avoiding any action that might threaten social peace ”.
On various occasions the Bishops of Costa Rica have spoken out with regard to the Free Trade Agreement and the referendum, crucial for the country's future. They also expressed concern for a growing climate of tension and argument in recent months, making several appeals for social peace. During the first week of September, 3 to 7, special prayers were said to invoke solidarity, equity and communion among the people of Costa Rica. The missions commission of the archdiocese of San Jose is organising with the national office of the Pontifical Mission Societies, a second Missionary Rosary on Saturday 6 October with the principal intention for social peace in Costa Rica. The recitation of the Rosary will be followed by a special Mass in the cathedral presided by Archbishop Hugo Barrantes of San José. Participants will include members of lay mission groups, representatives of the parishes in the archdiocese, men and women religious. Missionaries all over Latin America have been asked to join in the prayers of the people of Costa Rica in spiritual unity. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 25/9/2007; righe 39, parole 542)
