AMERICA/COSTA RICA - “We call on the people to have hope and to work to the best of their ability to build a better homeland rich in peace, harmony and solidarity” say Catholic Bishops in plenary assembly

Monday, 27 February 2006

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San Jose (Fides Service) - The Catholic Bishops of Costa Rica have urged the people to help build a better country every effort. In a statement issued at the end of the 91st plenary assembly held 20 - 23 February in San Jose the Bishops said “We call on the people to have hope and to work to the best of their ability to build a better homeland rich in peace, harmony and solidarity”. During the meeting the Bishops discussed the progress made by the Church and the situation of the nation in the light of the Jesus Christ, His Gospel and the teaching of the Church. In the statement the Bishops expressed concern for a situation of violence, particularly domestic violence, lack of security, the plague of drug trafficking which continues to undermine society and above all poverty which affects more than one million Costaricans.
They also list the main challenges and aspirations which must be priorities for the new government elected on 5 February. First of all the Bishops stress the necessity for “dialogue which is open, transparent, sincere and permanent between political forces, work organisations, civil society at the national level, to reach consensus and agreements to lead the country on the path to integral development of the person and respect for basic rights, especially for the most needy and vulnerable people”. The Bishops say the elimination of poverty must be a priority goal. Another important point raised was the evil of corruption in public and private institutions which underlines society. Hence the need for “an effective measures to uproot corruption”.
The Bishops express concern for the “ever weaker family ” and urge the government to co-ordinate institutions with the duty to support the family, indeed to create a Ministry for the Family. For their part the Bishops promise to “do everything possible to promote better planned and organised family pastoral in parishes”.
Looking forward to the 5th General Conference of the Council of Latin American Bishops’ Conferences” they say the event must be lived by all the communities. “The main concern of the Bishops of Latin America - they affirm - is the large number of baptised Catholics who do not take part in the life of the Church and whose doctrinal formation is weak or non existent”. Other concerns include the proliferation of new religious sects and a secularised and agnostic mentality and the situation of a “system which increases and widens the gap between rich and poor with obvious consequences”. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 27/2/2006 - righe 29, parole 419)