Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Caracas (Fides Service) - Profound concern for the serious situation which threatens to destroy peace in Venezuela was expressed by the Conference of Venezuelan Bishops at the end of its 31st special assembly on March 30 to April 1 in a statement titled, “Protecting Life a Duty for Everyone”.
The statement denounces the present situation: “people suffer from growing deterioration of the quality of life. Hopes for an end to corruption and the creation of a democracy with more social content and participation have not been met”. The Bishops share the anguish of Venezuelans for repeated violation of basic human rights and the demolition of a state of law. “Progressive deterioration of institutions, threat of national crisis, temptation to use violence to address political and social disputes lead us to support the popular consultation”, which the Bishops hope will bring a peaceful, democratic and electoral solution to the national crisis.
The statement reaffirms total rejection of all forms of violence and denounces exaggerated repression by police with a tragic result of many killed, deprived of their freedom, tortured and humiliated and the persistence of this situation. Impunity puts the defenceless citizens at the mercy of abuse and arbitrary actions.
With regard to the Referendum which could lead to the revocation of the President’s mandate, the Bishops say that recent facts reveal a will to prevent or unduly delay the exercising of citizens’ right of vote, “putting up obstacles and inventing legalisms which constitute a serious injustice and contradict commitments assumed by the conflicting parties, representing therefore a threat to peace parties ”.
It is not possible - the Bishops add - “to go back”, as some would wish in order to reclaim their privileges, nor is it possible to impose an authoritarian, totalitarian model on the nation. “Together we must build a new society and shoulder our part of sacrifice demanded by unity and commitment to uproot poverty and exclusion” . Catholics must be the first to give example of what is asked of governors and brothers and sisters: this means putting aside pride, forgiving and asking for forgiveness, promoting constructive dialogue, recognising the Face of Christ in every person. “We are called to promote a culture of peace and reconciliation; to commitment ourselves to truth to repudiate untruth and deceit and to spread hope ”.
The Venezuelan Bishops’ Conference concludes its Statement voicing the wish that the celebration of Holy Week and Easter may promote individual and community conversion as commitment to make the longed for brotherhood, reconciliation and peace a reality in Venezuela. (R.Z.) (Agenzia Fides 2/4/2004; righe 34 - parole 435)
