Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Medellin (Agenzia Fides) – "In certain cases when the result of mining activity is devastating, despite the fact that it meets the requirements of the law, the people should decide about the economic vocation of their area and, by way of a referendum, reject mining activity within their territory . This would be a way of enabling citizens to actively and consciously participate in decisional processes on matters affecting quality of life or activities which destroy the environment". This affirmation is part of a statement issued by the Catholic bishops in the area of Antioquia y Chocó (Colombia) a copy of which was sent to Fides.
The bishops of these Colombian jurisdictions, express concern for the serious consequences caused by exploitation of natural resources in this part of the country, consequences which undermine "the environment, human dignity and social harmony". "It is necessary that politics and the economy in dialogue, act at the service of human life", the statement concludes.
The document is signed by the Catholic Bishops of Medellín and Santa Fe de Antioquia, and the dioceses of Girardota, Sonsón-Rionegro, Santa Rosa de Osos, Quibdó, Itsmina-Tadó, Jericó, Caldas,
(CE) (Agenzia Fides, 12/08/2015)
