Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - "India needs honest politicians who dedicate themselves with zeal, working for a nation free from crime, free from discrimination, where no one suffers from hunger, and free from the demon of corruption. In view of the general elections, all Christians are called to demonstrate and activate social commitment, for a just and peaceful India": This is the appeal issued by the Catholic Bishops of India on the occasion of the elections to be held next May.
The appeal, sent to Fides Agency, is signed by Msg. Yvon Ambrosie, Bishop of Tuticorin, and by Fr. Charles Irudayam, respectively president and executive secretary of the Commission for Justice, Peace and Development, within the Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI)
The appeal highlights that "everyday people experience pain and discomfort due to poor governance, mismanagement, fraud, and corruption scandals. As noted by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, corruption deprives people of a fundamental common good, legality, abolishing the respect of rules, the proper functioning of economic and political institutions and transparency". Also, notes the text sent to Fides, "corruption hinders the proper distribution of resources to the poor, denying other two principles of the Catholic social teaching: the preferential option for the poor and the universal destination of goods".
The Bishops invite all citizens to "be aware of the law and also the duty to use their vote to promote the common good", choosing politicians "who demonstrate integrity and wisdom, who work against all forms of injustice and tyranny, against the arbitrary power on behalf of an individual or a political party, against intolerance", dedicating themselves to the service of all" with sincerity, fairness and charity".
The Church in India – explains the document - intends to help "build a just and peaceful society, inspired by the Gospel and the social teaching of the Church". This is why the Bishops invite citizens to "elect, among the political parties, national or regional, old or new representatives that govern in the defense of human dignity, the promotion of inclusive development, working for the common good, justice, peace and fraternity". "We need representatives who are interested in the welfare of the people, who are responsible and transparent, who are committed to making India a cradle of peace and prosperity", concludes the text. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 24/01/2014)
