Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Santo Domingo (Agenzia Fides) – As they do every year, the Bishops of the Dominican Republic have presented the people of their nation with a message of faith, hope, and love, in honor of National Independence Day, February 27.
On this occasion, the Bishops have chosen to focus on the participation of the laity in politics, in light of the country's upcoming elections and its relation to the National Pastoral Plan of the Church, which presents political awareness and democracy as values worthy of reflection.
The Bishops say that “politics involves human efforts that are always aimed at the common good.” Thus, “every social service and especially services like political activity in public administration, implies the integrity of an employee with a ethical and moral vision, with a way of being and a lifestyle that respects, upholds, promotes, and defends the dignity of the human person.” When there are no ethics or morals, “the climate gives way to corruption, increasing inequality, increased poverty, and exclusion of certain groups.” They also recall that “every Christian is called to participate in political life and any other public activity.” It is an activity that requires certain virtues, regardless of whether or not one is Christian. Some of these virtues include intelligence, capacity of sacrifice, preparation, capability to renounce one's own interests, vision, nobility, equanimity, flexibility, dedication, honesty, humility, simplicity, maturity, creativity. “There is nothing more contrary to all this than disrespect, mistrust, prejudice, underhandedness, revenge, accusations, and mutual abuse which we have been witnessing for some time now. The damage inflicted on themselves, the parties, and the entire nation is serious and not at all in accordance with the wishes of our people.”
“An authentic political system,” the text continues, “implies the quest for the common good, which includes respect and promotion of fundamental human rights, the development of spiritual and material goods of the person and society, peace, and security for all.”
As for the electoral campaign, the Bishops affirm that “the Dominican people desire a debate with decorum, mutual respect, centered not in insults and mutual attacks, but on a vision of the reality fo the nation, with concrete solutions that each one would place.” Likewise, the people want a serene and honest campaign, without illegalities, “placing sanity over chaos, harmony over discord, temperance over intolerance, and dialogue over arguments.”
They denounce the fact that a generalized corruption and impunity continue, “fruits of modern society's inversion of values which stifles democracy and the state of right, gives way to human rights violations, distorts markets, shows disrespect towards life, and sets the stage for organized delinquency, terrorism, and other threats to human security.”
Continuing their Message, the Pastors of the Church remind everyone that voting is a right and a duty and, therefore, “abstaining from voting without a serious reason means not complying with a moral obligation.” Moreover, they should vote “based on solid and honest reasons. Not only in sentiments or personal interests, groups, or parties.” That is, one should vote “for the one who in conscience they believe is most apt, ideal, capable, competent, able, and qualified to administer and lead with ethics, dignity, and efficacy the integral human progress of our country.” They also recall that “the buying and selling of votes is equivalent to the buying and selling of consciences.” The also offer several guidelines for healthy governing that should inspire their vote, including: promotion, defense, and demand for the Common Good; assurance and vigilance of basic services; respect and defense of human life; concern for the most needy; protection of natural resources; respect for Legislative and Judicial Powers; respect, promotion, and defense of legitimate freedoms and punishment for any kind of libertarianism; prosecution of those involved in any form of corruption; vigilance over the national economy; wisdom and justice in the distribution of resources.
“May we all feel responsible for building a nation based on permanent values. May every citizen of the Dominican Republic take up this ethical challenge that goes hand-in-hand with the progress and commitment of being coherent before his own conscience, before his nation, and before the democratic act of a free vote and the creation of a climate of reflection and prayer that can lead us to always seek the Common Good,” the Bishops concluded. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 18/2/2009)
