Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Florida (Agenzia Fides) – The Bishops of Paraguay have issued an important document at the close of their Plenary Assembly celebrated last week, offering fundamental criteria for the faithful to use evangelical discernment in exercising their citizenship during this election year. They explain that “as a Church we have the responsibility of collaborating in the construction of a more human society.” According to the Bishops, the most important question in these circumstances is not so much “Who am I going to vote for?” but “What country do I want to build for the future?”
In the first part of the document, the Bishops make an analysis of the social reality, in order to proceed in an authentic discernment. Among the positive aspects, they mention: the implementation of programs of social inclusion that have brought hope to the poor; intents at institutional reforms on a political level, along with an effort to find a greater transparency and honesty; greater economic stability; greater interest and concern for educating in values; recognizing the dignity and participation of the woman in building a more human social life and in edifying the Church.
However, along with this there are also negative aspects, such as: the age increase in the population and the demographic crisis; persistence of immigration; unresolved problems like that of children and adolescents living on the street, growing domestic violence, increase in delinquency and crime, generalized violence, drugs, insecurity; a growing climate of political confrontation; job insecurity; disrespect for life (abortions, euthanasia, increase in suicides); attacks on the dignity of the woman; conditioning the freedom of many families in their choice of education for their children; consumerism and materialism.
They later recall that in this situation, it is the responsibility of all citizens, as “building the common good of our people is a daily task that implies all of us in this beloved country.” Thus, “when the time comes to make decisions, we must take into consideration the electoral programs and the candidates, however, it is also necessary that we consider the past and whether or not the implementation of the proposed initiatives is a real possibility or no.” In this perspective, they offer 6 important criterias. Firstly, they recall that “respect for people should always be a fundamental criteria in our action and our judgment, rejecting the temptation to justify or obtain efficacy at any price.” Secondly, we should “use critical judgment with certain policies, especially in the way in which they present the global situation of human life in Uruguay today, paying close attention to the defense of every human life's right to live from conception until natural death.” They then ask that they take into account “not only their own interests, but also the interests of the most vulnerable.” The fourth important criteria addresses: “the defense of the family based on a stable marriage between a man and a woman and coherence of these with the corresponding vision of human sexuality and its meaning” and “reclaiming the full and real freedom of parents to decide on their children's education.” Along with the economic proposals, “we should embrace the perspectives that include a growing redistribution of wealth.” Lastly, they affirm that “in the programs, practice, and expressions of the political parties and in ours as well, we should defend and promote the basic and undeniable values of the human person.” (RG) (Agenzia Fides 6/5/2009)
