Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Santiago de Chile (Agenzia Fides) - At the close of their Plenary Assembly (April 14-18), the Bishops of Chile published a final Message, divided into six parts and entitled: “The Person and His Dignity, The Basis of Our Coexistence.” In the Message, the Bishops warn of the dangers of the progressive deterioration of relations in coexistence, that has begun to enter the public forum one year prior to elections.
The Bishops begin their statement by addressing respect for persons and institutions, mentioning that “the human person is the beginning and end of a political community, which above all implies working for the recognition and respect of his dignity, through protection and promotion of his most fundamental and inalienable rights, towards the common good.” In light of this principle, they show their concern for “the belligerent climate and the influence it will have in the area of political debate and in turn, the possible serious effects this could have on efforts being made towards the common good in political activities and projects...as well as the lack of respect for persons and institutions that becomes customary habit.” They also recall that in a modern democracy, the Constitutional Court exists in order to ensure that precepts and laws coincide with the Constitution and, therefore, are to be followed. “Inciting others to disobey is to walk down a dangerous path that eventually leads to institutional chaos,” the Bishops said, making reference to the recent events in the country regarding the debate over what is known as the “morning after pill.”
In this sense, the Bishops make an appeal to “respect and receive life,” as “defending this right is at the basis of an authentic society that is democratic and humane.” “No one has the right, in any circumstance, to take an innocent life, even if they believe that it is in order to accomplish some good,” the Message continued. The Bishops insisted in “not revoking this fundamental value of our society.” “Our commitment to defend human life leads us to reject its distribution in the public health system, as well as the fact that it is sold in pharmacies.”
Another theme that the Bishops addressed was the electoral campaign, one year prior to the country’s general elections, showing their desire that this campaign, “listen and take to heart the word of the people.” The Bishops make an appeal to “overcome political tension and verbal violence, giving politics its proper purpose which is the common good, in a climate of civil amiability.” “The trust of voters in their authorities will be possible when there is coherence between what is promised and what is accomplished. Citizens hope to find in candidates the best of their vocation to public service.” Likewise, voters also have the important task of assuming their responsibilities in working towards the common good, “which implies obtaining sufficient information before deciding, in good conscience, who we should support with our vote.”
The Bishops also mention the fact that there has not been sufficient efforts made in establishing agreements on political, economic, and social affairs. With that in mind, they ask that public service recover its proper dignity: “There is no nobler mission at the service of society, than promotion of the common good, with special concern for the marginalized and abandoned...Citizens expect to see their leaders, of the various political parties, dialoguing to find solutions to the larger problems and not in a constant argument and defamation.”
The Bishops also mention their concern for the political corruption, one of the worst deformations in the democratic system, especially “when the country is facing difficult economic and energy-related situations, that lead to a rise in the costs of materials and services that have devastating effects on the poorest sectors, making it incomprehensible the fact that certain persons do not carry out their public service with responsibility, or worse yet, that they abuse their political positions in order to obtain economic advantages, be promoted to privileged positions, or increase their influence in society.”
Lastly, the Bishops’ Conference asked all authorities and leaders to do all in their power to resolve the serious problems being faced in the country’s poorest areas, and that they begin resolving their list of “things-to-do” for the nation.
The Bishops concluded their Message, trusting that the new life that comes from the encounter with the Lord would produce the interior strength necessary in renewing the structures of the country’s coexistence. To Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, they entrusted their hopes and desires. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 21/4/2008; righe 59, parole 748)
