AMERICA - “We must work for the poor”: Symposium of Christian businessmen in Latin America

Friday, 18 June 2010

AMERICA

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Cochabamba (Agenzia Fides) – “Challenges of business 200 years since the independence of Latin America and the Caribbean" has been the theme of the 10th Symposium CELAM – UNIAPAC (International Union of Christian Businessmen) held in Cochabamba, Bolivia, which ends today, 18 June. The sub theme of the gathering was: " The entrepreneur vision and social responsibility of Christian businessmen in the light of the Encyclical Caritas in Veritate".
According to a report sent to Fides by the CELAM Justice and Peace Commission, the purpose of the Meeting, which opened yesterday 17 June, was to reflect, in the light of the Encyclical written by Benedict XVI Caritas in Veritate, on the challenges facing business after 200 years of independence and identify ways to tackle these challenges.
"The can be no other point of departure or point of arrival than the Lord of Life and History, for a contribution on the part of our Christian identity to the political, economic and social world " said Cardinal Julio Terrazas Sandoval, Archbishop of Santa Cruz, and president of the CELAM Justice and Peace Commission, at the opening of the Symposium. The welcome address to 50 participants from 12 different countries of Latin America was given by the president of UNIAPAC Bolivia, Vivian Ossio. For his part, Cardinal Terrazas, thanked those who put their time, talents and means at the service of the Kingdom of God and told those present: “We must work for the poor”.
Pascual Rubiani, President of UNIAPAC Latin America, focused his discourse on the risks run by businessmen. There is growing awareness of the importance for business of productivity, competitiveness and the market trend, demanded by the present day model of development. “However this must not lead us to lose sight of our commitment for the common good and meeting the needs of individuals. Business must be committed in society not only for economic results”. Rubiani added “businesses today have a leading role to play in changing the world: they can transform not only goods but also lives, following the example of Jesus ”. (CE) (Agenzia Fides, 18/06/2010)