AMERICA/BOLIVIA - Renewed urgent call from Bishops: an openness to dialogue and an illumination of reason in truth is needed for the country to overcome its difficulties

Cochabamba (Agenzia Fides) - “We are extremely worried about the progressive segregation occurring among the various regions, social classes, and ethnic groups, the ideological polarization, the excessive attention given to politics, and the negative influence coming from various extremist groups that impede the process of dialogue and consensus and that could lead to fighting, including injury and death,” the Bishops of Bolivia stated at the close of their Plenary Assembly (April 3-8) in Cochabamba. In light of this situation, the Bishops make an urgent call for dialogue as “the only way to peace and unity in our country.” The Prelates realize that amidst the country’s difficulties, an openness to dialogue and an illumination of reason in truth is needed, a respect for the law that governs our society.” There is also a need for openness in general, mutual respect, and an abandonment of stubborn attitudes, in order to “reach effective resolutions that are lasting and that seek the common good, that give people hope.”
“The dialogue that we all need in Bolivia,” the Message continued, “leads us as Bishops to offer our services in facilitating a meeting of the main role-players in the political and social life of the country. That is why various meetings have been held during this time with national authorities and institutions in favor of peace.”
However, in order for this dialogue to come about, the Bishops say, there are a series of attitudes that are necessary, for example: building confidence and getting rid of double-talk, placing aside personal, partisan, or ideological interests, abandoning attitudes of disregard, insult, defamation, hate, and revenge, especially the campaigns and propaganda that consist in using the mass media to discredit others.
The Bishops reaffirm their commitment to “continue accompanying in the process of dialogue and compromise, that a social agreement may be reached, as it is so desired by our people.” They also ask the citizens to “place all their effort in creating a climate that is favorable to dialogue, brotherhood, offering signs of forgiveness, building bridges of understanding.”
Some important ecclesial events in Bolivia were also discussed during the Assembly. The first was the renewed evangelization effort, which was the theme of the Fifth General Conference of Latin American and Caribbean Bishops in Aparecida. This led to the publishing of a new document, “Pastoral Guidelines and Focus” that will guide the Church in Bolivia for the next five years. Caritas Bolivia also celebrated its 50th anniversary. The Bishops gave thanks to God “for the charitable service that it has offered in promotion of the human person and in assistance to the poorest in our national territory.” Lastly, they prepared their “Ad Limina Apostolorum” visit to Rome, scheduled to take place in November of this year. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 9/4/2008; righe 36, parole 455)