Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Cochabamba (Agenzia Fides) – The Catholic Church has expressed its concern over the risk for democracy in Bolivia becoming "purely formal, without values and without ethical principles" due to the negative signs being seen in the construction of the new state: the absence of dialogue, exclusion, and violation of fundamental rights.
The reflection was made public in Cochabamba, during the opening ceremony of the 90th Ordinary General Meeting of the Bishops' Conference of Bolivia (CEB), in a document that was read by Archbishop Jesús Pérez of Sucre, Vice-President of the CEB. In the text, the bishops criticize the administration of the current government, while not directly citing it, and call on Bolivians to “straighten the path” that the nation is taking.
The bishops write: "It is a cause for concern that the current process of giving a new face to the country is taking place in a climate of confusion, a lack of clarity and transparency in defining goals that, at times, seem to hide other intentions, the lack of a true dialogue, not listening to the clamor and the opinion of the various groups present, the language that is nourished by contrasts between sectors and regions, the exclusion of individuals or groups who are opposed, and even trampling respect for the inalienable rights like life and dignity, as well as personal and democratic freedoms."
Last year, on February 7, 2009, President Evo Morales declared a new constitution that began the process of building a new social state of multi-national community law. The new model is built on five basic laws that were passed in the middle of this year and other complementary laws that have caused divisions in the country.
The bishops, in this regard, say: "We cannot talk about a new Bolivia if we use the methods of the past that have caused so much damage to the country. We believe that Bolivians, as in other difficult moments of democratic life, are able to reverse the course of things and together build a Bolivia with justice, solidarity, and fraternity. This is possible if all of us, authorities and citizens, work according to our responsibilities to restore a climate of serenity and peace, promoting reconciliation and forgiveness, speaking and practicing the truth, using sincere dialogue, listening to and respecting others who think differently, and looking for the broadest possible consensus."
In conclusion, Bishop Jesús Pérez Rodríguez highlighted the correct concept of the Church's mission in the world, "which is not limited strictly to the person in his inner or spiritual dimension, denying any reference to the person in his integrity, body and spirit, but that extends to all aspects of life, including the social and political. Every human action has moral implications that deserve evaluation and guidance from truth and Christian charity," he said. The Assembly of Bishops opened yesterday with this talk on November 11, and ends November 16. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 12/11/2010)
