Bombay (Fides Service) – Christians can and must take an active part in politics and business in order to carry the Gospel message and values to ambits vital for the life of society. This was affirmed by Bishop Aloysius D’Souza of Mangalore diocese who was addressing Christian business men and politicians at the Annual Meeting of India’s Christian Business and Industry Association. “Everyone must take seriously the challenges of business an area into which we must bring the values and indications of Catholic social doctrine” the Bishop said.
The Bishop encouraged critical consideration of acts and laws passed by local, state and federal government from a Christian point of view and looking for the essential requisite: respect for the dignity of every individual.
The purpose of the Christian Business and Industry Association is to promote economic growth and development, while creating wellbeing for all and fully guaranteeing workers rights and dignity.
The Association encourages its members to build reciprocal relations and collaboration and is committed to promoting principles of equity and solidarity in businesses in the 21st century. Equity, according to the Association, means being convinced that all individuals are equal regardless of social condition, nationality, religion with the same rights and dignity. The principle of solidarity leads to reciprocal understanding and sharing in daily life, and efforts to meet the needs of the excluded. The Association has other objectives such as respect for fiscal duties, considered not only a obligation of law but also a precise moral duty. The Association promotes a culture of business which combines free market with an effective system of rules, to guarantee the common good and the well being of society. PA (Fides Service 11/9/2003 EM lines 31 Words: 312)