AMERICA/PANAMA - The Bishops' reflection on the national situation: "We cannot get used to violence"

Monday, 18 January 2016 bishops   episcopal conferences   violence  

Panama City (Agenzia Fides) - The Panamanian Episcopal Conference (CEP) presents the many questions with regards to the future of the country on issues such as the electoral reform, widening of the transoceanic Canal, public education and healthcare in its document, asking for clear and concrete answers. The statement is part of the conclusions of the number 203 of the CEP plenary session which has just ended.
Today, January 18, the National Assembly will begin discussing electoral reforms, according to the proposal submitted by the National Commission for electoral reforms, although criticism and dissent on various points of this proposal are still rising. The Bishops, in their document sent to Fides, stress the need for dialogue, essential to solve the country's problems, and stress that the national situation reveals a deep moral crisis of values, attitudes, motivations and behaviors that should be corrected.
The document contains the conclusions of the Ordinary Assembly of the Episcopal Conference, held from 11 to 15 January 2016, gathered to reflect on the reality of the Church and the Panamanian society in order to offer reasons for hope. Developed in 11 points, the text presents the ecclesial and the country's social panorama, recognizes the forces of the community and calls for a serious commitment before the challenges of the country and in this Jubilee of Mercy.
The Bishops vigorously denounce: "Human dignity is not respected. We cannot get used to violence, crime, murder. This is not our nature!"
In conclusion the Bishops invite to walk with young people, participating in the National Meeting of Youth Renewal, which will be held from January 21 to 24, in Chitre, "to experience the joyful young face of the Church, and encourage them to be disciples and missionaries of the mercy of the Father". (CE) (Agenzia Fides 18/01/2016)


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