Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Roma (Agenzia Fides) - In Costa Rica, the local Catholic community has always had a powerful influence on political decision-making and many of the most prominent builders of the country were Catholics. Today, as Costa Ricans face a referendum to decide the destiny of a free trade agreement between Central America, Dominican Republic and the United States some, government members particularly, are asking the local Church to keep out of the matter, while others, including many priests, demand respect for citizens' right to form and openly express an opinion. The Bishops' Conference has asked priests not to express opinions on the TLC during homilies but to assure ample discussion on the question.
While some ask the Church leaders to be silent, many are asking for a clear position to guide Catholics when they vote in the TLC referendum. Bishop Ignacio Trejos, emeritus of San Isidro de El General, made public a letter in which he questions the neutrality of the Church authorities on such an important subject. “We cannot be neutral”, said Bishop Trejos, “to ask our local Church to be neutral in this context would be to totally disfigure it: our Church must also keep pace with truth and justice since her task is to promote peace and love”, he says in the letter. The Bishop said it is impossible to be neutral with regard to a trade agreement which, among other things, subordinates respect for life to respect for trade. The Bishop said the Church should not be afraid to speak out: “we must have the courage and not confuse prudence with cowardice”. (AP) (15/5/2007 Agenzia Fides; Righe:27; Parole:338)
