Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Punta de Tralca (Agenzia Fides) - "Restoring Hope in Chile" is the title of a statement issued by the Bishops of Chile at the end of their 93rd Assembly held 16 to 20 April which marked the beginning of a path of preparation for Pastoral Guidelines for the coming years to be drafted on the basis of a process of ample participation. In this context the Bishops have convoked a first National Catholic Church Assembly for October, prepared with various diocesan assemblies.
The Bishops of Chile examine the problems in the country in order to restore hope among the people. A major problem is poverty: "despite much effort and some progress in social justice many poor people are still waiting for assistance. They hope their desire to take part in building their own future will be met"; the Bishops are also concerned for young people and growing violence and the announced law on penal responsibility which they hope "will not put emphasis on punishment and overlook prevention and reinsertion". The bishops say young people must be guaranteed education and jobs and the influence of certain media for spreading violence must be considered and addressed.
With regard to the government's decision to reform education the Bishops are aware of the need to make progress in this field and to consider everything which can help improve the quality of teaching, however this means listening to the voices of all involved in the different sectors. Although it is early to express an opinion the bishops urge parents, teachers and schools, government and legislators in this field to reflect and study the matter carefully and they list five essential points: the right to quality education with equal opportunities for all; education centred on the religious, moral, intellectual and social dimension of the person; education to sustain and recognise the priority right of parents to choose education for their children; education must respect and promote freedom of access to education; education must help build of a country of more justice and solidarity.
Other challenges in Chile include corruption and a dangerous tendency to increase conflict. Hence the need to "improve the quality of political activity, restoring its deepest meaning as a service to the common good". The Bishops call on the nations leaders to: “make decision for the integral good of the person ", at the same time they ask for all the gift of listening with respect and generous adoption of the best solutions for major national problems. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 21/4/2007; righe 34, parole 471)
