Mexican bishops call for 'profound convictions' to confront crime

Mexico City, Mexico, Sep 11, 2008 / 22:24 pm

The press office of the Bishops’ Conference of Mexico said this week that in addition to enforcing protective measures, society must have “profound convictions” to confront the wave of crime that is affecting the country.

“Without denying the importance of crime preventive measures and the following of the law, the solution is found in profound convictions, which are ‘in the heart of man himself,’ and in the creation of conditions essential for the comprehensive wellbeing of society,” the bishops said in an editorial posted on the conference’s website.

They also lamented that despite massive peace marches, “assaults, kidnappings and killings continue to harm Mexican society, violating the right of all to live in peace. Drug trafficking and organized crime has penetrated many institutions, destroying their credibility and effectiveness.”

“Today more than ever,” the bishops continued, “it is impossible to deny the increase in social disorder and insecurity, because of the lack of observance of the rule of law.”

They said efforts by authorities to protect society and stop the situation, while praiseworthy, “have not had the hoped-for results.”  For this reason “good will” is not enough, and concrete commitments must be made to ensure national security, the bishops said.

“Public authority is above all moral authority, they stressed, and is validated by service to society, following the law, respecting life and building up justice,” the bishops asserted.