Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Managua (Agenzia Fides) – Following the recent discovery of 226 new cases of HIV in Nicaragua, the number of carriers of the virus has reached 4,102, according to a report from the local Ministry of Health. Of these 69% or 2,830, are men, and 31% are women. The majority of those infected are between 15-49 years of age. Over 70% are between 20-34. The virus first appeared in Nicaragua in 1987. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 14/5/2009)
AMERICA/MEXICO - “There is no authentic and stable democracy without citizen participation and social justice,” Bishops say in their appeal for voter responsibility in the upcoming elections in July
Mexico City (Agenzia Fides) – The Mexican Bishops' Conference held a press conference yesterday, along with the Bishops' Commission for Social and Pastoral Activity, presenting a document regarding upcoming national elections in July. The document is entitled: “There is no authentic and stable democracy without citizen participation and social justice.” The elections will affect the House of Representatives, six new governors, new local members of Congress, and in several states, there will be a change in the city council. The Federal District will renew their Legislative Assembly and the 16 political delegations. However, the document focuses on the common element for the nation: the election of members in the House of Representatives.
The Message is structured in three parts. The first part presents an analysis of national reality. The second part, proposes a reflection on the Church's contribution in preserving democracy, presenting several principles from the Church's Social Doctrine, such as: the person is the center of political activity, the subject of the political community is the people; justice is the object and measure of politics, the authority should be a moral force. The thirds part proposes several challenges in the effort to preserve democracy. Among them: education and creation of places for encounter and dialogue on the great challenges of the country, towards the development of an integral democracy; the need to assure adequate representativity, taking into account that every candidate or representative should have a minimum of ethical principles; re-evaluating the role of political parties; highlighting the importance of promoting citizen responsibility in participation and promoting the growth of civil society.
The Bishops mention that “the upcoming elections are an opportunity to consolidate democracy in the country.” Thus, the objective of this document is “promote voter responsibility.” This does not mean favoring any certain politician or political party. “We are not trying to use our ministry to influence the faithful to vote in a certain direction, rather we exhort them to use discernment and determination in making their choice in conformity to the Gospel and with a rightly formed conscience,” the Bishops affirm. Thus, they offer several criteria for choosing representatives that should respond “to a minimum ethical profile that will help them to meet the needs of the people they represent...” Among the criteria are: honesty, coherence, a person of values, loyalty and honor; awareness of the needs of the people, the common good on both a local and national level; commitment to reconciliation and justice; sufficient capacity; special care for the poor and defenseless, not only in election campaigns but in their daily life.
To encourage the people, the Bishops have also launched a campaign to promote dialogue and reflection on the importance of a real and effective representation in Mexico, with the support of the Church's Social Doctrine, promoting a responsible participation among citizens. They will be distributing their own Message, along with other materials throughout the dioceses. They will be focusing on five main themes: Sovereignty and the State; Citizenship; Democracy as a Form of Government; The Legislative Branch and Representation; The Electoral Process. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 14/5/2009)
