Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
La Paz (Agenzia Fides) – At the request of the newspaper "La Prensa", the press office of the Bolivian Bishops' Conference has prepared a brief summary of the main challenges, which according to the Bolivian Catholic Church, the new administration of President Evo Morales will have to face. As is known, the Catholic Church is not meant to address specific aspects of political, social or economic, but she is called to act, whenever necessary, on principles and on human and Christian values that should guide the life of society. Although the newspaper “La Prensa” has published only part of the text, the Bishops' Conference later published the full text sent to the newspaper, which follows.
Major challenges of the new administration of President Evo Morales in Bolivia.
For the Catholic Church, a major challenge is to maintain the unity of all Bolivians, on the basis of a fruitful dialogue, respect, tolerance and the principle of national dignity, which applies to every person regardless of their political or ideological choice.
Along with this challenge is the need to maintain and strengthen the democratic system and the constitutional state, promoting respect for the established legal framework, the search for a consensus based on dialogue and mutual respect, without coercion of any kind.
Another important challenge is to reduce the levels of poverty and misery in Bolivia, programs to re-vitalize the domestic economy and create employment opportunities, not just through temporary measures which may delay structural solutions and create dangerous dependencies.
On several occasions, the Catholic Church also expressed the need to promote responsible and sustainable use of natural resources, preserving the balance and harmony with nature, and thus ensuring the welfare of future generations.
An ongoing challenge for any government is the respect, promotion and coherent observance of fundamental human rights. According to the Church's social doctrine, the root of human rights must be sought in the dignity that belongs to every human being regardless of their social, economic, cultural or political conditions.
Finally, the Catholic Church reminds everyone of the responsibilities of the government and the governed in regards to the fate of our country. Every person who claims to be a true Bolivian must strive to build a society based on the principles of common good, freedom, truth, justice, solidarity and lasting peace. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 19/01/2010)
