AMERICA/PERU - People ask for transparency and fairness: the Bishops are on the people's side

Monday, 11 June 2018 development   corruption   women   bishops   justice  

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Lima (Agenzia Fides) - "Justice will bring about peace; right will produce calm and security": is the biblical verse (Isaiah 32, 17) chosen by the Peruvian Episcopal Conference’s message addressed to public opinion. The Bishops defend the popular protests against the strong fiscal pressure, drug trafficking, violence against women and corruption.
Motivated by the "pastoral concern" of building "bridges of peace with all, seeking that no poisonous root must harm the community" the Bishops approve the "right protest reactions" that led to the resignation of the Minister of Economy since "we cannot further burden workers who demand economic improvements while, on the other hand, companies still enjoy great privileges such as tax exemptions".
However, they invite the people "not to be manipulated" by those who want to provoke violent acts. At the same time, the Episcopal Conference believes that "certain measures aimed at greater justice is good news", while it warns that "the superfluous expenses of certain State institutions" and cronyism are "a scorn towards citizenship" and clearly show "that these institutions and many of its members live unrelated to the social situation of the country". "We need to take appropriate measures against those who maintain ties with drug trafficking and corruption", the Bishops write.
The last point of the message concerns the tragic death of a girl burned alive by a former colleague who was probably frustrated by the woman's refusal. To curb feminicides (10 victims a month on average, according to official data), the document invites us to undertake "a great educational campaign that helps to remove machismo from our mentality", while reaffirming the Church's commitment to "highlight the rights and dignity of women and to be a bridge toward a new society".
According to the Peruvian episcopate, the facts cited "are all linked". The Bishops conclude by thanking the people "who publicly show their yearn for a solid and transparent democracy, without corruption, with politicians of high ethical and moral quality". (SM) (Agenzia Fides, 11/6/2018)


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