Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lima (Agenzia Fides) – In light of the regional and municipal elections scheduled to take place Sunday, October 3, the Bishops of Peru have issued a message asking candidates to seek the common good of the population and to put aside conflicts that exist among them. The message, entitled "Politics should seek the common good and not personal or group benefit," was read during a press conference held by Archbishop Miguel Cabrejos Vidarte, OFM of Trujillo, President of the Peruvian Bishops' Conference.
In the statement, a copy of which was sent to Fides, the bishops state that "democracy is not only voting, but it must also imply the active and responsible participation of citizens through cooperation in and vigilance of the actions of elected authorities. Thus, it is important to know the candidates and assess their commitment to democratic values." They also stressed that the voters, prior to making their vote must take into account "the ethical and moral vision of the candidates on that which concerns basic values like the defense of human life, family, marriage, the dignity of women, and human rights.”
The bishops have finally appealed to the media to exercise freedom of expression, "seeking not only truth, but also justice and the common good, in order to inform objectively, impartially, and accepting all the candidates, so that proposals are fully known." (CE) (Agenzia Fides 09/25/2010)
