Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bogota (Agenzia Fides) - At the end of their recent plenary assembly the Catholic Bishops of Colombia issued a message in view of coming elections intended to “educate and enlighten the consciences of citizens especially those involved in politics so their actions may always be oriented to service of the integral promotion of the individual person and the common good”. First of all the Bishops mention elements which should be priorities in any political programme to build “the country as the people want it”, the value of human life, promotion of social wellbeing, commitment for peace and elimination of poverty.
Colombia “needs legislators and governors committed to protecting human life against the growing culture of death”. “Respect for human life” - the Bishops write - “is the heritage of humanity” and they call on political and legislative institutions and also scientists, “to defend human life and work unceasingly to guarantee a life of dignity for all human beings”. National leaders are invited to take a serious position in favour of the poor, to propose social policies to promote sustainable development, including the opening of factories and small businesses.
The Bishops express concern for the fact that many Colombians are still denied access to basic medical care, education and a dignified and stable job. “The people are the country’s chief resource” the Bishops say and “anything which improves the level of health, education and employment will also improve the general social well being of the whole country”.
The Bishops urge those responsible for the country’s future to find a political solution for armed conflict in Colombia. They say the Church’s contribution in this field, “is determination to announce Jesus Christ, proclaim the dignity of the human person and form communities which are evangelised and evangelising, which engage in works of solidarity and justice and the building of peace”. The Bishops promise to support “efforts and initiatives to eliminate the causes of armed conflict and to collaborate actively to rebuild society, a necessary condition for authentic peace”. The message stresses the need to fight with decision situations which “hamper development, increase the country’s problems and are the cause of social and economic unbalance”, especially corruption, drug-trafficking, armed conflict and violence.
The Bishops end their message calling on all citizens to vote for “men and women with a calling to serve, who are not involved in any sort of corruption and are firmly determined to install a new order and build the nation everyone desires and needs”. The Bishops call on young Colombians to “assume with responsibility the duty to be watchmen and builders of a new humanity”. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 20/2/2006 - righe 37, parole 505)
