Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Santo Domingo (Agenzia Fides) - As they have often done in the past, the Episcopal Conference of the Dominican Republic has published a Message for all their faithful, in commemoration of the National Independence Day, on “The Responsibility of the Laity in Public Life.” In the Message, the Bishops remind the laity of the importance of their participation in all areas, including politics, in conformation with ethical and moral principals.
Firstly, the remind the faithful that all men, “are called to remain firm in the midst of the world, offering an example of hope and love, without yielding before the threats and glamour that it offers them.” And therefore, “giving in to ambition, the desire for personal gain, implies becoming an accomplice in oppression and evil.” Moreover, because of their immersion in society, all human beings are responsible for their role in the community and the family. However, all social service, and especially political service, demands a moral and ethical code, because “without ethics or morals, an environment is created that breeds corruption, the spread of iniquity, increased poverty, and the exclusion of the marginalized from society.”
The Bishops state that “generous service to the community, in the search and triumph of the Common Good, is the essence of politics and requires that those in power, whether they be Christians or not, exhibit certain virtues such as: intelligence, capacity for sacrifice, preparation, renouncement of one’s own interests, elevated vision, nobility, stability, flexibility, self-donation, honesty, humility, simplicity, maturity, and creativity.” In politics, one must act according to a certain criteria of commitment with the community and the country, and always with the common good in mind. “Until there exists an equal distribution of wealth, an eradication of human misery, and a decrease in poverty, we cannot speak of full and complete democracy,” the Bishops affirmed.
In regards to the electoral campaign and the upcoming elections in the country, the Bishops asked that the campaign be carried out with a certain austerity, without a squandering of funds, especially “when there are so many urgent priorities to be resolved in the country.” They also recalled the widespread corruption and the indifference towards it, that undermines democracy and law, paves the way for human rights violations, and gives way to the creation of organized crime, terrorism, and other threats to human security.” The Bishops also reminded voters of the fact that voting is a duty and a right, however their vote “must be based on solid and honest reasons, not only feelings or personal interests, groups or parties and they warn the faithful about the danger of “the buying and selling of votes that is equivalent to the buying and selling of consciences.”
The Bishops later offered some criteria to have in mind when they go to vote for a candidate, as well as some practical reflections to take into account... “the unchanging ethical and moral principals and the laws and norms that create harmonious relationships among us.”
“May we all be aware of all responsibility in building a country based upon unchanging values. May every citizen of the Dominican Republic assume the ethical challenge that goes hand in hand with the development and commitment to being coherent with his conscience, with his country, and with the democratic act of a free vote and in creating an environment of reflection and prayer that leads us to and urges us on towards a constant search for the Common Good,” the Bishops’ Message concluded. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 22/2/2008; righe 47, parole 577)
