Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Cochabamba (Agenzia Fides) – The reading of the Message to the People of God ended the LXXXIX Assembly of Bishops in the Bolivian city of Cochabamba. The biblical quotation from John 6:20, "It is I, fear not," is the title of this message that describes the reflections of the Bishops in these days of Assembly, on various issues such as the changing situation in the country, the Permanent Mission, education, and the Summit on Climate Change, among other topics.
The document is divided into 4 parts: 1. Presenting the reality of a Bolivian society that is changing, 2. The Church through the Bishops, calls for a guarantee for freedom in education, 3. Invitation for dialogue and reconciliation among all Bolivians, 4. Remembering the Permanent Mission as the priority task of the local Church and in every diocese in the country. After a year amidst problems and successes, becoming a missionary disciple emerges as the authentic challenge.
There are passages of text that show the concern of the Church in Bolivia. For example, we read: "We need take urgent measures against the deterioration of society, with rising crime, the violence that brings death to many Bolivians and expresses little respect for the life and dignity of people who are children of God."
The Bishops speak on the environment and “the need for greater accountability for the proper conservation of the environment. The Church wants to be a witness for the defense and care of God's creation, as we stated in the pastoral letters on "Earth, A Fruitful Mother for All" and "Water, Source of Life and A Gift for All." We hope that the first World Summit of Peoples on Climate Change and the Rights of Mother Earth, which is taking place in our country, can help protect nature" (See Fides 04/20/2010).
"Another important issue on which we reflected in our assembly, was that of evaluating the progress of the Permanent Mission launched a year ago. After this stage of awareness, our church has a new challenge ahead: turn every baptized person into a faithful and passionate missionary. So today, we invite everyone to become a witness of Jesus Christ wherever they are."
The document is signed by all the Bishops of Bolivia. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 23/04/2010)
