Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Caracas (Fides Service) - Pastoral plans for 2005, Year of the Eucharist and Year of Vocations, and the situation in Venezuela today in the light of the Gospel and Church teaching were discussed by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Venezuela at their 83rd Assembly of held 7 to 13 January at the Bishop Ibarra de Montalban Retreat House in Caracas.
In the ensuing Message the President of the Bishops’ Conference Archbishop Baltazar Enrique Porras of Merida, said the Bishops denounced “uncertain and controversial Referendum and regional elections which registered low numbers of voters” and repeated acts of unpunished violence challenge social harmony based on authentic human and Christian values, as well as the presence of concerning signs of a lack of civic awareness which threatens to lead the country to still greater danger.
Other concerns raised by the Bishops included: social situation in contrast with the virtues of truth, liberty and justice; consolidation of the revolutionary movement; introduction of laws contrary to the constitution and harmful for the development of social, economic and political rights; politicisation of judiciary bodes which has led to reinterpretation of the sense of law and revision of previous decisions; corruption, impunity, discretionary power, discrimination; possible centralisation of health and education systems and state monopoly. “Total control of power over institutions is incompatible with the proper exercise of democracy and healthy social balance” said Archbishop Baltazar Enrique Porras.
To face this situation of conflict and difficulties but full of potential, the Archbishop urged his Brother Bishops to assume with courage and enthusiasm the spirit lived during their Plenary and carry it to their local Churches and to the people of Venezuela in general. He called on Catholics to strive with humility and without fear to be ‘good news’ for others, urging them to announce the truth, so sought after; freedom, founded on pluralism and respect for others; solidarity understood as equal and indiscriminate sharing of resources; peace consisting in the promotion of the common good in every sphere; denounce everything which robs the person of human dignity, and lastly indispensable action to protect life and human rights. “The real, permanent and authentically human presence of Christians is urgent and vital for our country today” the Archbishop concluded. (RZ) (Agenzia Fides 13/1/2005; righe 32, parole 438)
