The Venezuelan bishops gathered for the 45th Extraordinary Plenary Assembly on October 15, 16 and 17 to pray and reflect on the social, political and ecclesial reality of the country. Accompanied by lay people, priests and religious representatives of various institutions and areas of pastoral service, they heard the words of Jesus echo insistently in their minds and hearts : “The truth will set you free” (Jn 8:31).
Below is the final declaration of the XLV Extraordinary Assembly. You can also download it and share it with your community:
1. «The bishops of Venezuela met on October 15, 16 and 17, 2024, at the 45th Extraordinary Plenary Assembly to pray and reflect on the social, political and ecclesial reality of the country. We were accompanied in our work by priests, religious and lay representatives of various institutions and areas of pastoral service.
2. The words of the Lord Jesus Christ have resounded insistently in our minds and hearts: “ the truth will set you free ” ( John 8:31). Therefore, we want to reiterate our call to the National Electoral Council (NEC) to publish, in accordance with the Constitution and the laws, the detailed results of the electoral process carried out on July 28, in which the Venezuelan people's desire for change was evident. The presentation of the results is an essential step to maintain the citizens' confidence in the vote and to recover the true meaning of politics. Only in this way can we move forward together towards the construction of a democratic and peaceful Venezuela.
3. We categorically reject the repression of demonstrations, arbitrary arrests and human rights violations that have occurred after the elections. We demand the release of those detained, among whom are minors.
4. As we contemplate the difficult situation our country is going through, we feel challenged by the word of God, which invites us to listen to the cries of the people and to console them ( cf. Is 40:1 ).
2. The words of the Lord Jesus Christ have resounded insistently in our minds and hearts: “ the truth will set you free ” ( John 8:31). Therefore, we want to reiterate our call to the National Electoral Council (NEC) to publish, in accordance with the Constitution and the laws, the detailed results of the electoral process carried out on July 28, in which the Venezuelan people's desire for change was evident. The presentation of the results is an essential step to maintain the citizens' confidence in the vote and to recover the true meaning of politics. Only in this way can we move forward together towards the construction of a democratic and peaceful Venezuela.
3. We categorically reject the repression of demonstrations, arbitrary arrests and human rights violations that have occurred after the elections. We demand the release of those detained, among whom are minors.
4. As we contemplate the difficult situation our country is going through, we feel challenged by the word of God, which invites us to listen to the cries of the people and to console them ( cf. Is 40:1 ).
We renew our commitment to all our suffering brothers and sisters, to continue to accompany them through prayer, welcome, companionship, exchange and the service we provide through the different ecclesial bodies.
We reaffirm our commitment to be at their side in these difficult times.
We express the Church's willingness to promote initiatives that contribute to the peaceful resolution of differences.
5. We invite everyone to rekindle hope: “ Christ is our hope” (cf. 1 Tim 1:1).
5. We invite everyone to rekindle hope: “ Christ is our hope” (cf. 1 Tim 1:1).
We show our support for the prayer initiatives that are promoted from various sources to pray for peace and well-being in Venezuela.
Caracas, October 17, 2024
The Bishops of Venezuela
https://conferenciaepiscopalvenezolana.com/la-verdad-los-hara-libres-jn-831-conclusiones-de-la-xlv-asamblea-extraordinaria-de-la-conferencia-episcopal-venezolana/
Caracas, October 17, 2024
The Bishops of Venezuela
https://conferenciaepiscopalvenezolana.com/la-verdad-los-hara-libres-jn-831-conclusiones-de-la-xlv-asamblea-extraordinaria-de-la-conferencia-episcopal-venezolana/
Comments