AMERICA/VENEZUELA - On the eve of the Referendum, a Day of prayer and fasting, that "Jesus may reign in Venezuela and in the hearts of the people”

Caracas (Agenzia Fides) - In view of the referendum on Sunday 2 December when over 16 million Venezuelans will vote yes or no to proposed constitutional amendments to change 69 of 350 articles in the Constitution of 1999, the National Laity Council has called, for today 30 November, a Day of special prayer and fasting "that Christ may reign in Venezuela and in our hearts."
In view of the seriousness of the referendum the Council urges all Venezuelans of goodwill to fast and pray for national peace, reconciliation and unity. "Wherever we are, as members of the Mystical Body of Christ, let us pray to God and to Our Lady of Coromoto, and let us fast so that Jesus may reign in Venezuela and in our hearts" says the statement to invite participation.
The Bishops of Venezuela have repeatedly expressed their opposition to the reform which they consider " unnecessary, morally unacceptable and will bring no benefit to the country", since they "the proposed Reform violates the fundamental rights of the democratic system and of the person, threatening freedom and social harmony". The Bishops say this reform " limits the freedom of Venezuelans, increases excessively the power of the state, eliminates decentralisation and puts under government control many spaces of civil life"" (see Fides 27/11/2007; 20/11/2007; 12/11/2007 e 22/10/2007). (RG) (Agenzia Fides 30/11/2007; righe 18, parole 250)