Crisis of violence in Mexico has its roots in loss of values, bishops say

Mexico City, Mexico, Sep 24, 2008 / 08:34 am

Archbishop Jose Luis Chavez Botello of Antequera-Oaxaca and his Auxiliary Bishop Oscar Campos Conteras said in a recent statement that the crisis of violence and lack of security in the country is due to the loss of values in Mexican society.

In their statement, the bishops lamented the recent violence in Morelia and Tijuana, which claimed the lives a dozens of people. They described Mexico as currently experiencing a “grave deterioration of the values that are the foundation of living together in society, such as truth, honesty, responsibility and service. It is urgent that this foundation be remade and strengthened,” the bishops said.

Likewise, they underscored that “the war is lost if the struggle against corruption, violence and organized crime does not go hand in hand with practical, general educational programs in basic values and with a profound renewal of the institutions that are charged with educating, protecting and guiding society, such as politics, education and the economy.”

After recalling that the situation has resulted as well from indifference of people who hope that others will confront and resolve social ills, the bishops encouraged everyone to have a self-critical attitude in order to prevent the further spread of violence.