Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bogotà (Agenzia Fides) – "We are highly concerned about the situation in rural areas … point nne of the peace agreement opens a window for a policy of comprehensive agricultural development ": said the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Colombia (CEC) in a statement distributed in numerous parishes all over the country. "The aim is a plan for vast rural development to implement during the post-war period. Although the cost of rural post-conflict has yet to be estimated, or quoted, it is clear that the plan is huge and will implicate major changes in terms of tax” say the bishops. “We call on the Ministry of Agriculture to replace the present system for requesting technical assistance with a new one more suited to the needs of the producers" we read in the report sent to Fides.
The Statement refers to conclusions reached by the Bishops during the 100th CEC Assembly held 15 to 19 February. The Colombian Bishops reflected also on the situation and the mission of bishops and priests and commitment regarding peace in the country, transitional justice and widespread corruption in society.
The statement concludes with a request to consider ethics in Colombia: "Ethical behaviour must be taken seriously if we intend to build a new post-conflict Colombia. The nation must be founded on ethical values: honesty; spiritual values: forgiveness, reconciliation; cultural values: the culture of life , human rights and good citizenship".
(CE) (Agenzia Fides, 29/02/2016)
