Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Cochabamba (Agenzia Fides) - The Bishops of Bolivia have issued a message at the end of their 88th Plenary Assembly, celebrated November 20-25. First, the Bishops declare their solidarity with all the suffering people of Bolivia, then they tackle three fundamental issues:
1 .- Awaiting a democratic celebration. "We are approaching what we hope will be a true democratic celebration: the next general election," write the Bishops, reiterating what was said last September in their message: "For a democratic and peaceful election campaign,” expressing their hope for the personal and responsible participation of all citizens in the process of building the country, always respecting the freedom. Bolivian Bishops invite candidates to "be real public officials, in seeking solutions to secure the institutions and democracy through dialogue, consensus, and capacity to work together."
2 .- Looking to the future with hope. "The general elections are a step forward in the process that we are living towards a more just and united society, starting from our cultural and regional differences," the Bishops said that among the positive aspects include "the effort of the people" to maintain peace "among the many clashes." The inclusion of areas "previously excluded and discriminated against" and the democratic participation of citizens in times of elections. Yet they are still worried about the lack of respect for the law, the crisis of institutions, public insecurity, crime, child abuse, and family violence.
3 .- Servants in a permanent mission. With the celebration of 300 years of missionary presence in Concepcion (Santa Cruz), they begin a new 'advent,' the Bishops said. It is a fine example of the effort and achievement of Gospel witness and inculturation of the Gospel in the lands of Bolivia. Precisely in this context of missionary service, the Bishops present restructuring of service associations in the Bolivian Bishops' Conference, in order to adequately respond to the demands of evangelization, ecclesial communion, and human development. "All this we must do this in the spirit of the Permanent Mission," the Bishops say.
The message has been published at a sensitive time in Bolivian history. The government of President Evo Morales has indeed had moments of tension with the Catholic Church. Cardinal Terrazas's reelection as president of the Bishops' Conference (see Fides 24/11/2009) confirms the prophetic voice of the Church, which considers poverty in Bolivia as a structural problem and as the main concern of the country, as it involves thousands of families, as the Bishops themselves mention in this message. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 26/11/2009)
