Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Tegucigalpa (Agenzia Fides) – The Bishops of the Honduras and various different pastoral associations in the eight dioceses met January 25-29 2009 in the National Assembly of the Catholic Pastoral Ministry, at the “Las Tres Rosas” Spirituality Center in Valle de Angeles, in order to reflect on the ecclesial reality and plan for future pastoral events. At the close of the meeting, they published a Message to all the Honduran people and a Message to the media.
The Bishops and pastoral agents have been making an analysis of the country's situation and on some of the many problems that afflict it. Firstly, the insecurity and “the violence that continues to be out of control, now with the kidnappings.” In addition, “each day there are more deportees as a result of the economic crisis and xenophobia against immigrants in the wealthier nations, which is leading to an abasement of our weak economy in the areas of unemployment, scarcity of funds, and a decline in the standard of living.” The educational system is on the verge of collapse and illiteracy continues to be an obstacle for the country's development. Moreover, the strategy for reducing poverty did not give the expected positive results and many of the funds were alloted to other activities.
They also decried the materialist, individualist culture that is only concerned with pleasure, comfort, and personal use of the nation's resources, especially the natural resources. In addition, there is the fact that the country does not seem able to place all its trust in its institutions and has increased the practice of corruption in all the areas of public administration and even within the national police force. The right to life continues to be disrespected in various manners. The government has taken an attitude of control and manipulation and even repression towards various public sectors.
However, side-by-side with this panorama, the Bishops also wish to recognize and show their appreciation of the desires and efforts of the population through the various different organizations of society, so that justice may reign in the country. They praised the vigilance of the citizens in the public administration, through commissions of transparency. They also appreciate the efforts of the people in defending and affirming the sovereignty of the States and working for peace in the country.
For the Bishops and pastoral agents, behind this panorama there is a situation of a “deep spiritual crisis, which is played out in a moral crisis,” in which mankind has confused the order of values “instead of God, we place the power that gives us money.” Thus, the Church reaffirms “the prevalence of values in our social relations and we make an appeal to the consciences of all people to defend life, the dignity of the person and respect for his unalienable rights, justice, solidarity, truth, and honesty.” They also affirm their preference for the poor and the pastoral conversion of the entire Church.
They also propose the formation of an authentic culture of solidarity to promote new economic relations based on justice. They also propose that the political class cease its abuse of the people's confidence and reestablish the credibility of government institutions and State powers, placing the law and justice before particular interests, not appropriating the goods of the nation.
“Brothers and sisters, the challenges for our country are great and only a commitment on everyone's part will pave the way for valid and equal responses,” the Message concludes. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 9/2/2008)
