AMERICA/CHILE - Chilean men and women religious: candidates in the next elections must be up to the task

Santiago (Agenzia Fides) - "We are living in a time of crisis, which causes great uncertainty in various areas: lack of security, violence and instability in social life. Every transformation and change of reality carries with it the feeling of not being in control of the events that occur. For this reason it is necessary and urgent to remain firm in what is essential, our identity as human beings created to love and live with God, with ourselves, with each other and with Creation". This was stated by the Conference of Religious men and women of Chile, in view of the elections on November 21, in a statement sent to Fides. Expressing their concern for the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections, the Chilean men and women religious appeal to the candidates to rise to the occasion, which "requires leaders who have the common good as the foundation of their service to all people without distinction, and the care of the common Home". Furthermore, they must show availability for meeting and dialogue, to establish bridges that allow consensus for peace and fraternal coexistence among all Chileans, recognizing cultural diversity. In short, they must have "open arms and without borders to welcome, protect, promote and integrate immigrants; achieve justice through equity for a dignified life, which allows mutual relations to be lived in peace". The statement calls for living conditions that favor freedom, mutual respect, care for nature, seeking a sustainable relationship in the economy, through laws that deal with and protect against the exploitation and extermination of all forms of life and culture. The men and women religious of Chile conclude their message by putting "hope in the God of Life", and thus renewing the conviction that "the Gospel brings the Good News of a lifestyle that will free us from the slavery of false idolatries that they build walls and create divisions, bringing light to our minds and hearts to see, value and take care of everyone, because we are all brothers". Chile is still experiencing a long period of crisis and uncertainty in all fields - political, economic, social and ecclesial - which began in October 2019, with the mobilizations against high prices and corruption. Violence and clashes have not spared places of worship. The plebiscite of October 25, 2020 (see Fides, 27/10/2020) sanctioned the start of the process of drawing up a new Constitution, the drafting of which was entrusted to a "Constituent Convention", whose members were elected in the elections of 15 and May 16, 2021 (see Fides 3/7/2021). Concerned about the climate of violent polarization in political life, especially in the electoral campaign, the Chilean bishops have published their message, one month before the presidential, parliamentary and regional elections of November 21, entitled "To live the electoral process in peace and citizen harmony ". The bishops call on everyone "to act responsibly", underlining that "for whoever comes to govern the country in the next period, the task will be difficult and complex" (see Fides, 25/10/2021). (SL) (Agenzia Fides, 12/11/2021)

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