AMERICA/ECUADOR - New Constitution must recognise and protect dignity of every human person, value of the family and human life, and the right to education the Bishops say

Friday, 18 May 2007

Quito (Agenzia Fides) - With an April 15 majority vote Ecuadorians expressed support for the proposal of president Rafael Correa to form a Constituent Assembly to draft a new Constitution. In a recent statement the Catholic Bishops of Ecuador proposed certain fundamental principles to be included in the draft of the new Constitution. Among the principles the Bishops recalled respect for the dignity of the human person, "whose origin comes from God and is the primary source of rights and duties". Another principal indicated was education, which the Bishops say must centre on the immense value of every human person, must be guaranteed for all without distinction and it is the state's duty to guarantee the right of parents to choose the type of education for their children.
Respect for the family and the value of human life: the Bishops say the state must safeguard and protect human life as an inalienable right of every person which "no authority an directly or indirectly violate". The state must also protect the family formed of a husband and wife, encourage responsible parenthood and respect for life from conception to natural end.
The Bishops also denounce a serious situation of corruption and poverty and urge the government to "guarantee the creation of elements necessary for citizens, state powers and security forces to stop every form corruption". They say the government must "promote plans for development to eradicate poverty and give preferential attention to the less fortunate sectors of society ". They say necessary reforms must aim to “strengthen national unity and authentic democracy with active participation of the individual which will produce the necessary equity and harmony of particular interests and the common good ". (RG) (Agenzia Fides 18/5/2007; righe 26, parole 366)


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