AMERICA/CHILE - From Chile: “an open letter to workers and those involved in their pastoral care”

Santiago de Chile (Agenzia Fides) – Fides was recently sent the final document issued after the seminar entitled: "Pastoral Care in the Working World in a Global Economy: Organization and Prospects," which took place in the city of Santiago de Chile July 26 to 30, convened by the Department of Justice and Solidarity of the Latin American Bishops' Council (CELAM). This year, pastoral workers from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, and Venezuela all came together.
The objective of the seminar was to support the Bishops Conferences in the organization and strengthening of their pastoral care for workers, to ensure that workers themselves may live their vocation as missionary disciples in all the sectors of society where they work, thus contributing to sustainable development of our peoples.
The paper presents the great concern for the situation of life and work of millions in Latin America and the Caribbean, the diversity of industry, different types of insecurity on the continent, unemployment, a lack of safety in work centers, and many other problems related to employment. The document reads: "In the face of this painful situation, as missionary disciples, we affirm with our bishops that work ensures dignity and human freedom. This is probably the essential key to the whole social question."
Participants considered it appropriate to share some tips for all social structures, here are some: To promote a culture of dignity of labor and employment rights and strengthen the areas of formation, reflection, and knowledge of the world and its impact on the lives of workers, of the Social Doctrine of the Church, and the rights and duties in the workplace. They also mention promoting effective social dialogue processes that may affect the change of life and work.
The letter ends with a commitment to continue to work tirelessly for the dignity of work throughout this continent. Finally, they call upon the motherly protection of Our Lady of Guadalupe, faithful defender of the downtrodden. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 05/08/2010)