AMERICA/BOLIVIA - Laity worried that new education laws exclude “an integral formation, which also includes religion”

Sucre (Agenzia Fides) - In a public announcement, the Bolivian Council for the Laity has expressed its concern about the new laws in question, in particular the new Law on Education, “Avelino Sinani-Elizardo Pérez”. The document, which was released by the assembly earlier this month, contains particularly offensive expressions against the Bishops of the Catholic Church, who according to their statement, “do nothing more but fulfil the prophetic mission to announce and denounce anything that goes against human dignity. As the People of God, we express our solidarity and unconditional support.”
The text of the statement, sent to Agenzia Fides, stressed that the Council for the Laity has expressed well-considered concerns about the laws passed and those yet to be approved, in particular the Law on Education "Avelino Sinani-Elizardo Pérez”. The petitioners put forward that, “although we live in a 'secular state' we cannot do without an 'integral formation', which also educates the transcendental aspect of the person (experience of God)”. Further, the new law also affects “the right of parents to seek the education that they believe best for their children” (see Fides 24/11/2010).
The statement finally expressed a strong protest against the imminent closure of the Catholic High School, which for years has contributed to the formation of many professionals in education at a national level. “As an organization committed to the mission of building the Kingdom of God (justice, truth, peace and love), we find ourselves in an emergency situation and in the spirit of prayer, we ask that the Holy Spirit enlighten and guide our Government leaders in the pursuit of common good for all Bolivians,” concludes the text.
The document was signed by Felipa Martínez Ruíz, president of the Bolivian Council for the Laity, which is composed of: Christian Family Movement, the Focolare Movement, Missionaries, Legion of Mary, Youth Ministry groups, Prayer Groups, Radio Maria, Family Assemblies, Religious Teachers' Associations, Community Educational Associations, the Christian Life Community, various Church Communities, the Bolivian Association of Catholic Schools, EAS, Bolivian Council for the Laity. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 10/12/2010)