Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Quito (Agenzia Fides) - The Archbishop of Quito and his two Auxiliary Bishops issued a message in view of a forthcoming Constituent Assembly which will discuss "issues which are fundamental for the individual, for the family and for society, and for the strengthening of authentic democracy and respect for human rights, the planning a political and economic system to guarantee harmonious development and will eliminate poverty and social injustice". Ecuadorians face many challenges today, how to guarantee protection for every human life, freedom to teach the Gospel and practice the faith, the right of parents to guarantee children a religious education in keeping with the convictions, recognition of marriage according to natural law and God's law.
At this crucial hour the Archbishop of Quito says Catholics "can and must take an active and responsible part in organising the political community". He reminds them that this role in society is proper to them and recalls the danger for the Church and society when priests or consecrated persons behave as if they we lay people and lay people as if they were clergy. "The Church and the political community are different in nature, configuration and finality", says the message and it urges priests to continue their work of civic education without supporting any political party, to ask people to pray for the homeland, to pray that Ecuadorians will choose good representatives for the Constituent Assembly able to indicate paths of justice and progress and respect for the Catholic faith, the belief of the majority of Ecuadorians . (RG) (Agenzia Fides 10/5/2007; righe 21, parole 272)
