AMERICA/VENEZUELA - Bishops' Assembly: “An authentic humanism should exalt freedom and responsibility”

Caracas (Agenzia Fides) – The Venezuelan bishops, in their extraordinary Plenary Assembly, released a statement on the Catholic community to prepare for Advent and Christmas. It expressed the concern of the Church pastors for the political situation that followed the elections of September 26. The Bishops write clearly that it is time to build bridges and open paths; the country cannot remain divided in two and see one group turning its back towards another group.
With regard to Election Day, the bishops say: "The real heroes and the true winners were the Venezuelan people, who played a major part in the elections. This is a clear indication of their willingness to seek solutions to social problems through mutual respect, dialogue, and solidarity without exclusion. People are tired of conflict, hatred, senseless violence, false promises. What the people want and ask is that they be heard, a common, peaceful solution to specific problems, to their real needs and legitimate aspirations." In the document, a copy of which was sent to Fides, it also says that finding a common ground is the solution to the problem of the schools and universities.
The text continues: “Democracy has been consolidated in plurality and respect. You cannot dismantle the legacy accumulated over many decades or impose a single ideological direction. An authentic humanism should exalt freedom and responsibility, supporting diversity in order to find the truth shared by the majority. In order to reach a better quality of life and foster peaceful coexistence, there is no need to open the door to legalize or criminalize actions or situations that involve a disregard for life such as abortion, euthanasia, and kidnapping. The rights of people go hand-in-hand with rationality and discernment," the bishop added.
The statement concluded with a request that Advent may become a path of dialogue and understanding for the good of the country, with the blessing of the Lord. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 29/10/2010)