Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Mexico City (Fides Service) - The Mexican Bishops’ Commission for Church-State relations, together with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, the National Human Rights Commission and the Mexican Institute of Christian Social Doctrine, have organised an international Congress “Churches, Secular State and Society” in Mexico City 14 -18 November. The organisers say the aim is to encourage discussion among prominent political social and ecclesial figures on the role of Churches for social and cultural development of the nation and the contribution they are called to offer in this field .
“We wish to foster serious and respectful dialogue to offer enlightenment at a time when society needs to hear voices calling for harmonious co-existence, a culture of legality, civil participation and united efforts to make Mexico a more just and fraternal nation where the rule of law is a guarantee for all citizens to exercise their human rights and fulfil their obligations” said Bishop Abelardo Alvarado Alcántara, President of the Commission. At this particular and delicate time of social and political transition in Mexico the Congress “aims to open a space for reflection on the modern concept of secular state in the context of human rights and how best to guarantee authentic religious freedom”. Participants will include prominent church members not only from Mexico, politicians, intellectuals, party leaders, state officials, representatives of other Churches, leaders of lay movements and organisations and is open to anyone interested in the subject.
The Congress programme includes conferences followed by panel discussions. Here are some of the selected reflection themes: “The Mission of the Church and the Political Community”; “The Church’s contribution to the culture and progress of peoples”; “The Churches and the construction of public life”; “The contents of religious freedom”; “Religious pluralism and social harmony”. For more information apply to: informa@drie.org.mx (RZ) (Agenzia Fides 28/10/2005, righe 27, parole 351)
