Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Santiago de Chile (Agenzia Fides) – The Permanent Committee of the Chilean Bishops' Conference has issued a statement asking all business owners, workers, authorities, and political leaders to make an effort to avoid the economic crisis hitting the world, mostly affecting the poor and workers. The statement is entitled “Faith and Solidarity in times of trial, following the example of Saint Alberto Hurtado.” In it, the Bishops also address the upcoming local elections to take place this Sunday. In the text published on October 23, on the occasion of the third anniversary of the canonization of Father Alberto Hurtado, the Chilean Jesuit priest, the Bishops reflect on the example of Fr. Hurtado, whose attitudes are very valid in respects to the current crisis.
Recalling the words of the Holy Father Benedict XVI regarding the world financial crisis, the Bishops affirm that “when the desire for profit and speculative actions without limits impose themselves on the market, the human person is building his life on the sand.” No one is immune to this crisis and thus, the Bishops express their appreciation for the preventative action taken by the government in facing the crisis. The Bishops say that “the good will and disposition of everyone in an honest dialogue, with uprightness and a constructive spirit, has led to important national decisions and has prevented the country from running into hostilities that would weaken civil ties and betray public confidence.”
The Bishops say that unfortunately, “experience shows that those most affected by this crisis are the most vulnerable in society, the poor.” Thus, they make a strong call to all the businessmen, workers, and authorities in the country, asking that them to “care for and promote our sources of employment, with decency in the workplace, understanding that a job well done and carried out with dignity is a source of support for the family, which is the pillar of our society.” They also ask that lay-offs be avoided at all costs.
As for the local elections of mayors and council members, the Bishops say that the public demands a greater coherence between their leaders' words and actions. And they make an appeal to all voters, that they may “discern with freedom and in good conscience the policies and persons with the best ideals and values, who will translate their words into actions and will work with greatest coherence for the common good.” Thus, they express their desire that elections “take place with total normality and that the Commitment to Civil Ties that the political parties signed, along with the Archbishop of Santiago in August, may lead to peace and the greater good and progress of society.”
The Bishops also recall that, in following the example of Saint Alberto Hurtado, as Christians we are called to exalt solidarity and justice as urgent values to be affirmed in our time. “Three years after his canonization, we are still pained by the social injustice and corruption, and we value all actions that promote those most in need. In this time of economic insecurity, we should emphasize the fact that without social justice, their cannot be integral democracy.” (RG) (Agenzia Fides 24/10/2008)
