AMERICA/CHILE - “One Percent for the Church Campaign 2009”: everyone's responsibility “because it is just and right that we assume economic and pastoral collaboration for our family, the Church”

Santiago de Chile (Agenzia Fides) – The Church in Chile will launch the “One Percent for the Church Campaign 2009” this weekend. Bishop Santiago Silva, Auxiliary of Santiago and Secretary General of the Bishops' Conference, says that this Campaign is not just about offering a contribution, but it should be about making a gift with responsibility, “as it is a just and noble cause, that of economic and pastoral collaboration in our family, the Church.”
“In speaking of the financing of the Church, we refer to the shared responsibility which is the task of many working in communion with one another,” the Bishop affirms.
Bishop Silva also mentioned the fact that the love of God is a free gift because “it is all freely given and God does not ask for anything in return.” He also addressed the fact that there are thousands of people who, in Chile and elsewhere, give their lives so that others may find the Lord and have fullness of life in Him. The Bishop adds that helping out with a minimum of 1% makes it possible for many more to come to know the Lord and experience His blessings in the most important moments of their lives. This can be made possible especially to those who have nothings, those who are least cared for. “With our contribution to the Church, we wish to in someway embrace the poor and suffering, telling them that we are at their side and that the doors of our house, the Church, are always open to them,” he said.
He also added: “We are a family. And in a family, all the members look after one another. Thus, 1% is the least we can do as children who, in communion, feel responsible for their home. Yes, we should all feel responsibility in the Church. And when the national and international situations are threatened, the needs of the Church may multiply as a result.” (RG) (Agenzia Fides 8/5/2009)