AMERICA/MEXICO - In the present situation Mexico needs lay people to opt for the truth and the common good: Bishops call on Catholics not to give in the delusion or apathy

Mexico City (Fides) - “Your task is to contribute with the values of the Gospel to the rebuilding of Mexican society and politics. This is the time for sharing and commitment, the time for faith, hope, presence and action”. This vibrant call was launched by the Laity Commission of the Mexican Bishops’ Conference in a message addressed to Catholics all over the country.
“The Church must be present in all human events because it is there that she must proclaim the message of salvation” the Bishops say recalling the “fundamental and essential” mission and decisive participation on the part of lay Catholics who seek “not to impose a confessional viewpoint on matters” but rather offer motives and reasons stemming from faith which concern the truth and authentic development of the human person. Lay people, the message says, must strive to illuminate and transform society in all its expressions: family, work, education, science, culture, media, politics with the power of the Gospel...
In the present situation in Mexico of division, bitter argument, growing poverty, lack of development, loss of values, attacks on the family and on life, drug-trafficking, crime, emigration... and in view of coming elections, the Bishops say, “harmony, unity, serene reflection and love of country are indispensable”. At this moment the country needs men and women "for whom the faith is the greatest of riches and the greatest contribution for social harmony"; men and women who promote love and respect for life, the highest ideal of justice, concern for the wellbeing and development of all, particularly the poor and the excluded, and who put their moral and ethnic commitment into every activity. Mexico “needs lay people to opt for the truth and the common good” the Bishops conclude, and they urge the people not to give way to delusion, apathy, discord, indeed “this is the time to renew our common trust and to show our civil commitment and our hope in God”. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 13/2/2006 - righe 27, parole 375)