Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bogota (Agenzia Fides) - “We, the members of the Church, lay people, religious, clergy, and bishops, admit our limits and promise to make our prophetic voice heard to denounce falsehood and corruption and to announce the truth which is none other than respect for life from conception to natural death, the dignity of the human person, equal opportunities and sincere efforts to build up the country together where everyone has a place and no one is excluded”. This statement was part of a document issued by the Catholic Bishops of Comombia at the end of a plenary assembly 5 - 10 February in Bogota in which they launch a powerful call for national reconciliation and respect for the truth.
The Bishops say falsehood "is a cause of conflict and a major obstacle to efforts for political negotiation". Hence the need to take the path of truth in order to "heal wounds caused by violence". The Bishops say the country needs “concrete political initiatives at the national, regional and local level... to stop corruption, clean up democratic institutions and enable them to respond more effectively to citizens’ demand for social inclusion, participation and justice". The Bishops invoke the truth “to reveal signs of systematic persecution on the part of sectors, groups and individuals, with regard to the values defended by the Church and born of the Gospel, based on respect for human life, human dignity and the family". The Bishops urge the media to help build a society which is proud of its truth.
Calling for reconciliation and truth the Bishops encourage a "national effort to establish conditions of justice". Despite economic growth, poverty is ever more acute, the Bishops note urging all involved sectors to remember that “the economy must be at the service of the people and directed to solve problems of unemployment and poverty and meet the needs of the country."
With regard to armed conflict which continues to affect ample sectors of the population the Bishops say they are ready to "accompany processes leading to the construction of a Colombia reconciled and at peace", and they say " kidnapping, extortion, attacks on civilians, displacement of people must be eradicated by means of humanitarian agreements."
"The Church - the document concludes - will continue to announce its message of peace and hope calling for national harmony, peace and reconciliation, with the contribution of each and all to accelerate a national project in which everyone has a worthy place and enjoys opportunities for realisation as citizens and children of God ". (RG) (Agenzia Fides 14/2/2007; righe 35, parole 468)
