Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Santiago (Fides Service ) – In a final statement entitled “Let us treat others as we would have them treat us” issued at the end of their 86th assembly 17 to 21 November 2003, the Bishops of Chile deal with delicate problems of solidarity, crime, paedophilia, violation of personal dignity, authentic meaning of human sexuality, and the duty not to give scandal.
Referring to recent news which shocked public opinion - paedophilia, pornography and drug abuse – and the way the news was reported by the media, the Bishops say “confusion between objective facts and presupposed actions calls for special attention and a sincere search for truth and adhesion to it. This demands… living in truth, freedom, honesty and with responsibility; develop gifts received and opt for personal dignity, resisting inclinations which violate dignity”. The Bishops say “today it is more than ever necessary to keep watch and keep the heart attentive to the most desired and valuable good in society, the dignity of the human person”, and they urge “to Christians to unite with all men and women in search of the truth and to solve with wisdom the moral problems which present themselves to individuals and society, (cfr GS 16)”.
Respect for the reputation and honour of the person is a responsibility for every person, but “a special responsibility falls to the media operators, called to live their service to truth and good, to uplift the cultural and moral standards of the country and in this way promote authentic peace”. The Bishops say that scandal is an attack on the dignity of the person and a violation of the commandment to love neighbour: “Scandals can be provoked by laws, institutions, entertainment, customs which incite to evil and degrade human dignity (cfr Catechism of the Catholic Church 2284 ss)”.
To protect human dignity “Jesus Christ gave us this fundamental rule: treat others as you would have them treat you! (Mt 7,12)”. An expression of respect and consideration of others is the virtue of solidarity which consists in stepping into the shoes of the other person, sharing with them material and spiritual goods. In this regard the Bishops say that in Chile today there are many people who assist children with disabilities and they voice the hope “the acts of solidarity will become an unbroken chain which will restore in Chilean society faith in others”.
(R.Z.) (Fides Service 1/12/2003; lines 31; words 429)
