Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Mexico City (Agenzia Fides) – “Oil, for Mexico’s livelihood,” is the title of a Message published yesterday, July 24, by the Bishops’ Committee for Social Pastoral Care in Mexico, on the reform of the oil industry that is taking place in the country, offering enlightenment from the Church’s Social Doctrine.
One of the most disturbing matters at this time in the country is the oil industry, and its role in the country’s present and future. Thus, the Bishops’ Committee for Social Pastoral Care in observing the reflections and reactions that have arisen in the country as a result of the reform, have offered some guidelines according to the Church’s Social Doctrine, in order to illumine this serious dialogue taking place in Mexico.
As regards the various proposals being made, the Bishops mention that they should be evaluated in light of the dignity of the human person. Firstly, “they should be evaluated in accord with the principle of solidarity,” which consists in “the firm and persevering determination to work for the common good; that is, for the good of all and for each person, so that each of us may be truly responsible.” This solidarity will, in fact, lead to the establishment of laws that “do not allow human relations to be dominated by an obsession for profit and a thirst for power.”
Secondly, the common good, “which is not the some of all the particular goods of a society, but ‘the entire ensemble of social conditions that allow associations and each of its members to find the fullest and simplest means to their own perfection.’” The third principle that they propose, is the universal destiny of goods, as they observe that there is often a “concentration of power and riches in the hands of an elite few, which produces marginalization and widens the abyss of inequality, leaving a multitude of people in poverty.” However, they recall that “God created all things for all people,” and this demands “that there be special attention given to the poor, the marginalized, and those whose living conditions impede their due growth, as well as for the future generations.”
The Bishops also recall that every proposal should present a national plan that is long-term. In this sense, the “reform of Pemex cannot be seen only as an isolated reform, but rather the reform of an important element in the entire ensemble of a plan at the service of the nation.” And, lastly, they call for sincerity, as “it is incredible the amount of corruption in the economy, on both a public and private level, which is perpetuated by a noteworthy lack of sincerity and honesty in informing citizens.”
As to the debate, the Bishops ask all those involved to contribute to creating “room for dialogue that will allow serene discussion, mutual respect for opinions, a sincere search for the truth, and openness that allows all people to express themselves in complete freedom,” which is the only means to overcoming conflict and violence. They also recall that the participation of all is needed. It is also important that the dialogue is lasting, so as to avoid personal and institutional attacks and verbal violence that wounds social peace.
“We hope that the enlightening criteria we offer at this moment in our nation’s life, may contribute to the effort being made in various sectors of society in trying to reach our goals, and thus, lay the solid foundations for a country built on justice and brotherhood,” the Bishops conclude. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 25/7/2008)
