Agenzia Fides

Lima (Agenzia Fides) – "In recent weeks, we have seen all the scandals of corruption that have affected various levels of government on a public and private level. Civil society has called for an end to this serious problem that affects us as a society, but the words often do not become reality. Therefore, from the Bishops' Conference we reiterate our appeal and invite the public to practice ethics and to recover ancestral values that should govern the fate of all institutions of the country." Thus begins the statement of the Peruvian Bishops' Conference, a copy of which was sent to Fides, on the situation that the country is experiencing at this time. "The illegal use of state resources and use of public authority to benefit those who exercise authority - continues the statement - rather than serving the people, damages the nation as a whole, but especially the poorest."
The bishops continue: "The fight against corruption is a national need ... In this regard, we ask that the state body take on the plan to fight corruption after the deactivation of the National Anti-Corruption Office."
At the end of the press statement, the bishops call for all to fight against corruption: "Corruption is difficult to combat because it takes on different forms. When it decreases in one area, it sometimes grows in another. The very fact of reporting it takes courage. To eliminate it, what is needed, along with the strong will of the authorities, is the generous cooperation of all Peruvians, supported by a strong moral conscience which should never be lost - for the good of all - especially for the sake of the most in need."
The message of the Bishops was released following reports of several cases of corruption, brought to light by members of the ruling party in charge in public administration, and after a survey conducted by the local press on the declining popularity of the ruling party for this reason: for not investigating the lack of accountability in the use of public funds. The bishops' document is signed by Archbishop Miguel Cabrejos Vidarte of Trujillo, President of the Peruvian Bishops' Conference. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 17/05/2010)

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• Complete text of the document (in Spanish)