AMERICA/PARAGUAY - Bishops' Conference intervenes in defense of people's rights in Puerto Casado: “the dignity of the human person should be promoted whether independent of the interests of the sector”

Asuncion (Agenzia Fides) - “A serene, effective, and constructive reflection” on the claims being made by the people of Puerto Casado, which have been marching for several days towards the Capital...this is what the President of the Paraguayan Bishops' Conference requested in a declaration issued on September 18, to the national authorities. In particular, “we ask all citizens to become aware of these claims, analyzing them and evaluating them,” to make themselves a “serene and conscious” idea of the situation, in order to adopt “positive measures to accompany these citizens with a human and Christian spirit.” In fact, “the dignity of the human person should be promoted independently of sectoral interests.”
Addressing State Authorities, the Bishops ask that “a just discernment [be used] in evaluating the entire situation of these people, taking into account the common good of the nation and the human dignity, in order to reach a proper solution.” “We recall once more – the declaration says – the commitment of the Catholic Church in our country to accompanying the people in their needs and aspirations” and “not for social-political interests,” but as a “demand of the evangelizing mission.” Transmitting the desires of the other Bishops, the members of the President's Office of the Paraguayan Bishops' Conference, expressed their hope that “the solutions will be carried out with the hastiness required by the situation,” assuring of their prayers and asking for the “blessing of God and Mary Most Holy.” (GT) (Agenzia Fides 21/9/2009)