Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Caracas (Agenzia Fides) - At the end of their 88 plenary assembly, 2-7 July, the Catholic Bishops of Venezuela issued a Pastoral Letter on social problems at a time which they say is "one of the most crucial" in the country's history. Following elections last December, the government announced the reform of the 1999 Constitution to install a political and social model under the banner of "socialism of the 21st century ". (see Fides 15/1/2007). Now that the contents of the constitutional changes and the process of their elaboration have been made known the Bishops express serious doubts about the democratic character of the constitutional reform.
The Bishops recall that the social problems are " poverty, unemployment, housing, poor hospitals, other public services, street children abandoned old people", violence due to drug trafficking and money laundering. A recent measure to close a television channel led to major protests: “reducing spaces for free communication fosters government hegemony with regard to communications, is clearly antidemocratic". The Bishops voice concern for a new education law "despite positive elements it has grave omission with regard to the finalities of education, the rights of teachers, grants to schools for poor people, rights of parents to choose religious education for the children… claim to give education with one political and ideological orientation which would violate rights and duties of teachers and parents ”.
Faced with these serious problems the Bishops say "the path to peace for which all long is reconciliation and solidarity ". They underline the importance of a "culture of respect, tolerance, inclusion, acceptance of others" to encourage national dialogue. They call for an end to intolerance, permanent clashes, discrimination at work for political reasons, and the use of offensive language. The recall the need for "united national movement to promote respect for life from conception to natural death". Another indispensable element to obtain justice and peace and reconciliation is quality education for all; recognition of the family's role in education and religion as part of the school curriculum. The Bishops conclude calling for "prayers for solidarity and reconciliation in Venezuela, in Latin America and the whole world, especially with the Celebration of the Eucharist, ". (RG) (Agenzia Fides 10/7/2007: righe 37; parole 514)
