Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) – The Social Pastoral Commission of the Argentinean Episcopal Conference has organized a national meeting to celebrate the country's Bicentennial Anniversary. This meeting, which bears the title “Rethinking Politics,” will answer the question: “What kind of leader do we need today?" The meeting will last three days (September 17, 18, and 19) and will be held in Rio Cuarto, Cordoba, offering time for training of leaders and citizens.
The statement on the event sent to Fides shows the overall objective: to make room for dialogue, reflection, and proposals in order to restore politics as a service to others and for the common good, recalling the words of John Paul II: "a policy for the individual and society finds its fundamental approach in achieving the common good, as the good of all people and the whole man." This principal aim is rooted in the values and principles of the Social Doctrine of the Church and in an integral and supportive Christian humanism.
To reach this goal, an effort is being made to provide a place for coming together, for spirituality, and for education on the values, principles of faith, and the Social Doctrine of the Church, to encourage Christian engagement in public life. Furthermore, it aims to contribute to reflection on power as a service and the new style of leadership needed in order to help eradicate poverty and promote development as a national priority of the Bicentennial. Finally, organizers seek to promote a common effort between citizens and leaders in serving others and the common good.
The bishops clearly inviting all to participate in this activity: "As disciples and missionaries of Jesus Christ, we believe that the restoration of politics as service to others and for the common good is one of the keys to eradicating poverty and promoting integral development as a priority of the Bicentenary” being celebrated in Argentina from 2010 until 2016. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 09/06/2010)
