Agenzia Fides REPORT – The Pastoral Letter written by the Episcopal Conference of Guatemala, published at the conclusion of the Annual Plenary Assembly this year, is called “Construir en justicia, inspirados por Dios - El Desarrollo Humano” (Build in justice, inspired by God - Human Development). Throughout its 67 pages, the document proposes an updated vision of society in Guatemala and of the Church's presence given the many challenges that society faces. “There is a pessimism that arises from the Country's ethical and social deterioration,” write the Bishops in the introduction, “but the Christian faith has the power to realise a moral renewal and succeed in a construction program for the Country.” The document, received by Fides, calls for moral conversion and the ability to build a future together full of human feeling, with a strong human society and an united conscience.
Among the issues that are under discussion, the Bishops cite: the situation of the family, environmental degradation, lack of respect for life, the increase in violence and crime, the general poverty of the people, the corruption of the State, and the poverty of the public education system.
Faced with this situation in the Country and in society, the Bishops suggest a focus on the human person with dignity would constitute the foundation of Christian social ethics. It is therefore important to defend the rights of the human person. Also to be considered as the basis for society is the family and the exercise of political authority for the common good. The economy must seek to achieve integral human development and promotion. “It is necessary to point out that education is the fundamental basis for an equal participation in today's world. From the moment that is the primary responsibility for parents, the family becomes a strengthened unit for transmitting the necessary values for the welfare and development of all those who are part of it, as well as for society,” say the Bishops.
Finally, the Letter presents the appeal of the Bishops to urgently awaken the much-needed moral conscience to tackle corruption and economic, financial, legal, health, educational, social, cultural, environmental and political issues.
Among the issues that are under discussion, the Bishops cite: the situation of the family, environmental degradation, lack of respect for life, the increase in violence and crime, the general poverty of the people, the corruption of the State, and the poverty of the public education system.
Faced with this situation in the Country and in society, the Bishops suggest a focus on the human person with dignity would constitute the foundation of Christian social ethics. It is therefore important to defend the rights of the human person. Also to be considered as the basis for society is the family and the exercise of political authority for the common good. The economy must seek to achieve integral human development and promotion. “It is necessary to point out that education is the fundamental basis for an equal participation in today's world. From the moment that is the primary responsibility for parents, the family becomes a strengthened unit for transmitting the necessary values for the welfare and development of all those who are part of it, as well as for society,” say the Bishops.
Finally, the Letter presents the appeal of the Bishops to urgently awaken the much-needed moral conscience to tackle corruption and economic, financial, legal, health, educational, social, cultural, environmental and political issues.
Comments