Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Mexico City (Agenzia Fides) – The Bishops of the State of Mexico have issued a Message in regards to the elections due to take place on July 5, 2009, in which there will be elections for the City Mayors and Local Representatives in the State of Mexico, as well as national representatives from all over the Mexican Republic. “The welfare and progress of the citizens of the State of Mexico depends on the correct election of the future authorities,” the Bishops said. Thus, “as pastors concerned about the welfare of society,” they offer this reflection at the light of the Gospel and the Church's Social Doctrine, in which they present several relevant aspects of the social-political situation in which we live, recalling the importance of democracy, nobility in politics, political authority, the importance of voting, values and ethical principles, etc.
As for the social and political situation, the Bishops express the need to promote “a more participative democracy that goes beyond elections and gives more opportunity for citizen collaboration.” They also see several negative elements such as the increase of corruption on all levels, which discredits politicians and increases violence. Also, “there has been an increase in organized crime and drug trafficking that promotes a culture of death and a loss of social awareness regarding human dignity.” This is worsened by the “ever-troubling phenomenon of domestic violence..., children forced into child prostitution, countless young people living under the scourge of drugs, elderly who are excluded from society and their own family, the situation of those in prison...” Furthermore, “the world economic crisis has revealed greed and unlimited comodity, and how an economic system without any ethical norms leads to the concentration of power and riches in the hands of an elite few.” Thus, as a result of this situation, “many citizens have abdicated of their powers to participate in public life.”
The Bishops also offer a word of hope, recalling that “Jesus Christ has come to save us from every slavery and every evil,” and thus, “the Church, in carrying on Christ's mission, plays an important role in the formation of the conscience, in promoting ethical education for all citizens and social leaders in public life.”
They also mention the importance of democracy and nobility in politics, which they define as “one of the most noble activities in service of others, as it is a concrete expression of their commitment to the good of the entire community,” and whose objective should be “to promote a fuller personal and social life for all people, i.e., the common good.”
“The Church praises and appreciates the work of those who, at the service of mankind, dedicate their lives to public affairs and accept the weight of the responsibilities it implies,” the Bishops said. However, they also mention that “both the City Mayors and the Representatives should be authentic representatives of the people, attentive to listening to their needs and promoting the good of all,” as their vocation is “to be at the service of citizens.”
Later, they remind all the citizens of the importance of voting and “knowing the candidates, their programs, and the capacity and moral prestige of each one.”
“To all the candidates that have been presented by their parties...we reminds them of their duty in returning nobility to politics and helping the people begin to trust once more in their leaders. Thus, we encourage them to be witnesses to values and ethical democratic principles, among which are the truth, justice, honor, and transparency.”
The text concludes with several suggestions for action, such as: promoting a culture of democracy that consists in living family values, living values in the parishes; preparing materials, organizing workshops, seminars, or courses on the Social Doctrine of the Church in each parish and helping all the lay faithful to participate in political life. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 28/5/2009)
