AMERICA/BOLIVIA - Pastoral guidelines from the Bishops regarding the Government Constitution: “create a climate of openness, make room for dialogue, facilitate social accord, reestablish legality

Friday, 14 March 2008

La Paz (Agenzia Fides) - Just days before Holy Week 2008, the Episcopal Conference of Bolivia has issued a document entitled, “That the people may have life,” in which they offer a series of pastoral guidelines on the drafting project of the country’s Constitution (the CPE) and in light of the responsibility, “to make our voice heard on fundamental issues that affect people and the common good of our society, in efforts to promote the formation of conscience and offer criteria for discernment for when the time comes to define the basis of the political and social co-existence in the country’s future.” The document focuses mainly on the CPE, as it will have general effects on the nation and is directly linked to the welfare of the entire population, likewise because the country should be aware of the fact that life in Bolivia for decades to come will be defined by the outcome of this project. However, the Bishops also mention, among other issues, their concern for the country’s situation, the statutes, and the state of the law.
The Bishops show their concern for the pressure and violence that has marked this time period, the debate that is taking place in the country over the legality of the CPE project, and they once again remind the people that “dialogue is the only way to agreements, a dialogue that is based on honesty and mutual respect with aims towards the common good and human dignity.”
The open the document with an analysis of Bolivia’s present situation, with the important changes being implemented, with their positive and negative aspects. Among the positive aspects, the Bishops mention the improved treatment of the indigenous people and the growing participation of social and civic institutions in political life. On the other hand, the Bishops also worry for the “breakdown in relations between regions, social classes, and ethnic groups,” with a “regional and ideological polarization, as well as an excessive emphasis on debate and political activity that distracts from attending to the basic needs of the people.” There is also a constant weakening of democracy and the government that becomes evident, as well as an increased tension caused by “a lack of security, heightened street violence, lynching marked by an infamous cruelty, the increase of trafficking of narcotics and products of the black market, and situations that display the precarious lack of establishment among institutions, especially within the government, the flagrant disregard for the law, and the loss of respect for life.”
All these problems are exacerbated by the economic problems, “such as the lack of employment and the rising cost of living, whose effects are most felt by the poor and marginalized,” along with the aftermath of the natural disasters the country has suffered.
After analyzing the country’s situation, the Bishops offer some guidelines on the current CPE project along with some of the crucial matters that are not sufficiently addressed in the document. Among these crucial matters is the affirmation of human dignity as the source of rights and duties. Although the right to life is recognized as the basis of all other rights, the fact that this right exists from the moment of conception until natural death, is not clearly defined. Moreover, “in recognizing sexual and reproductive rights, the door is being opened to the legalization of abortion in the future.” In addition, “the ambiguity of the so-called sexual and reproductive rights places in danger the integrity of the family in its procreative function and weakens the right and educative mission that parents in respect to their children.” In regards to education and religion instruction, the Bishops reflect on the fact that the project presents education “as an instrument of propaganda and ideological formation that pertains exclusively to the government, instead of seeing it as a fundamental right of the person and a good for society.”
The Bishops conclude their document encouraging all to place aside biases and selfish attitudes, so as to contribute to the establishment of a climate of openness. They ask that the people leave behind rejections and insults, to make room for rational dialogue with mutual respect and sincerity, that it may not be mere charade but rather an opportunity to reach effective agreements. The Bishops also insist on a greater effort in striving for peace, support, and justice, in democracy and inspired by the authentic values of respect, harmony, collaboration, personal freedom, legality, and a clean political and social atmosphere that promotes a civilized culture and sustains a democratic state, at the service of the common good. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 14/3/2008; righe 59, parole 758)


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