Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Caracas (Agenzia Fides) - In view of the referendum on Sunday December 2, on proposed constitutional reforms presented by the president of Venezuela and the National Assembly, the country's Bishops have once again issued a statement addressed to all Venezuelans of good will reiterating their conviction already expressed in previous statements that "this reform is unnecessary, morally unacceptable and will bring no benefit to the country ". The Bishops say the proposed reform "curtails many civil, human, social and political rights sanctioned by the Constitution, and creates motives for political discrimination and confrontation and polarisation among Venezuelans ".
"In these days before making a historical decision on the which depends the future of our beloved country, - the Bishops say - we are all called to assume Christian and civil attitudes of good sense, wisdom, respect for others, and commitment to work to promote peace and harmonious coexistence". They appeal to the electorate to "take an active part expressing a free vote in all conscience" and they encourage people to "pray that God may help us all to build paths of peace".
Every citizen has the right to express an opinion and "no one has to right to offend or insult dissenters " the Bishops say, referring to attacks on Cardinal Jorge Urosa Savino, Archbishop of Caracas, on the bishops in general and other leading members of Venezuelan society. In a statement issued with the Council of Priests the auxiliary Bishops of Caracas express "concern for the level of violence and consequent deterioration of harmony in te context of an electoral process which demands an atmosphere of reflection on the contents of the proposed reform on which the citizens are called to vote". They remind citizens of the duty to participate and express their point of view and in this sense the Cardinal and the Bishops of Venezuela "fulfil their pastoral duty for the common good and express their pondered opinion with regard to the theme proposed to the nation". (RG) (Agenzia Fides 27/11/2007; righe 27, parole 374)
