AMERICA/MEXICO - Bishops' proposals in response to the economic crisis: everyone is responsible and should show greater sensitivity

Mexico City (Agenzia Fides) – The Bishops of Mexico have issued a press statement in which they ask all the sectors of Mexican society to reach a joint agreement in facing the economic crisis that is affecting the country, as is the case for the majority of the countries of Latin America, and call for hope and solidarity in this moment of crisis and as electoral campaigns begin.
The Bishops consider the fact that the crisis “should lead all parts of the government to find prompt solutions and not allow the situation to worsen, as there is already so much poverty, unemployment, rise in the prices of goods and services, school drop-outs, and social despair experienced by the majority of the Mexican families.”
All are responsible and all should show “greater sensibility before this fact, and in addition, show the necessary maturity for affronting all the financial problems of the country” and should make a greater effort in “stopping violence, the spread of drug trafficking, corruption, inequality, economic waste, and infringements on ethical, social, and family values.”
The Bishops also denounce the fact that precisely now that the new electoral campaign is opening, there is excessive budget-spending and waste that can only “lead to greater mistrust among citizens.” Thus, they call on candidates to “avoid promises to the electorate that cannot be fulfilled,” and to avoid “offenses and aggression among themselves and their parties” and “working for the good of the nation instead of fighting for power.”
They conclude their statement with a call to all the baptized to be faithful and to bear witness in the world through a coherent Christian life and to prepare themselves for the Mexican Bishops' renewal of the country's consecration to the Holy Spirit on Monday, April 20. During the press conference held on the statement, the Bishops announced that the Church will participate in the electoral process through a message calling on all citizens to participate in the elections. The document will be issued by the Bishops' Commission for Social Ministry following their Plenary Assembly in April. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 12/2/2009)