Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Siguatepeque (Agenzia Fides) – In a meeting held in Siguatepeque, June 1 and 2 for the ordinary session, members of the National Pastoral Commission analyzed the situation of the country, which they view with great concern. The Commission issued a statement in which they observe how democracy in the country in weakening. In fact, society has been divided over the initiative taken by the government led by Manuel Zelaya, of carrying out a study and voting to change the current Constitution. The project continues being promoted in spite of the fact that judicial sentences have been issued suspending it, in a clear sign of disrespect for the government and laws of the country.
“We are experiencing an even worse catastrophe than that of the earthquake that damaged many physical structures in the land,” the text says. “The democratic system is falling into constant decline with the loss of the public's credibility and trust in the government institutions: the Constitution of the Republic, the political parties, the legislative, judicial, and executive branches, the Supreme Court, etc.” It also seems that the people and the common good have been forgotten when they are the “reason for which the State, political parties, and all the other institutions exist” and all that is sought is “personal or group benefits, while the majority continue living with severe problems that are fruit of the system of injustice and without equality.” However, the saddest part of the reality, they say, “is the passivity and indifference with which the majority of the population is observing the situation, no longer being players in their own history.”
In light of this situation, the members of the National Pastoral Commission make several proposals, recalling firstly, that “dialogue among all sectors is the only path that guarantees a constitutional state.” Otherwise, “insult and imposition of criteria and any ideology, using threats or money, is an abuse of power.” They also affirm that only a free and sovereign society can be constructive, “with the participation of everyone,” restoring the “capacity to think, decide, and choose for the future, opting for the common good and with care for the needy, without being fooled by other interests.”
They also call for “transparency and coherence in all government actions, in the media, and all who contribute to public opinion, so that the truth is told as to the real or hidden intentions behind holding a Constituent Assembly.” While it is true that “there are elements of the Constitution that could be improved in order to respond to everyone's needs,” there is also a lack of “profound and serene analysis that is needed to determine what elements need change and specify what articles of the Constitution are not leading to justice, freedom, and quality of life.” Thus, they consider that the path being followed of improvisation and rush, “could lead to anarchy, violence, and the breakdown of peace.” The statement concludes with a proposal to solve the current crisis: “that the Congress approve an Organic Law for the role of the Plebiscite and the Referendum that already exist in our Constitution.”
Cardinal Oscar A. Rodriguez M, SDB, Archbishop of Tegucigalpa, made an appeal last Sunday, asking everyone to be on guard: “Today, our Honduras is deeply marked by poverty, violence, injustice, lack of love...and it seems that our goal is a society of one sole mindset, where everyone has to think the same and the person who does not think like those who wish to impose their one mindset is considered an enemy that should be destroyed. This is dangerous and an evil for any society.” He also affirmed that the country is suffering “not only an economic, institutional, and political crisis, but even that of an earthquake.” He concluded by making a call to all Hondurans, to not remain indifferent and passive in accepting mistaken messages, because “Honduras cannot continue in this manner, walking along the edge of cliff.” (RG) (Agenzia Fides 10/6/2009)
