AMERICA/BOLIVIA - Hope for dialogue between government and prefectures; Bishops say every effort must be made to reach positive results

Tuesday, 22 January 2008

Santa Cruz (Agenzia Fides) - “Dialogue for consensus” is the title of a statement issued by the standing council of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Bolivia, at the end of a meeting this week in Santa Cruz, in which the Bishops address “a word of hope and trust in the process of change in our country”.
The express hope for the dialogue started between the government and the prefectures which in a way “meets the expectations of the people, tired of conflict, suffering and grieving in recent times”. Trust that the initiative will produce “concrete results”. However “all sides must assume attitudes of genuine listening and respect, putting aside sentiments of mistrust and resentment, and working to promote the common good and the truth”. The Bishops recall that “sincere dialogue seeks real consensus, possible only with the participation of all, discussion of conflicting issues with transparency and respect for the law ”. They appeal for “in depth dialogue and sincere efforts to obtain positive results”.
The Bishops say the country's difficulties are the responsibility of all, not only the authorities. “All must assume attitudes of tolerance and respect, and not give in to the temptation of discouragement, or pressure from extremist groups”. “As your bishops we will follow this process carefully and continue our mission of guidance in the light of faith in the Lord who comes to bring life in abundance for all”, the Bishops conclude. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 22/1/2008; righe 19, parole 269)


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