Bishops call on new Peruvian government to work for common good in unity

Lima, Peru, Jun 22, 2006 / 22:00 pm

The executive committee of the Bishops’ Conference of Peru has called on the newly elected government, as well as political parties and society in general to work for the common good by employing dialogue as a means of achieving unity and looking out for those most in need.

During a press conference, the bishops said the recent elections which resulted in the election of a new president, new congressmen and representatives were a sign that Peru’s “democracy is strengthening.”  

Now the country must embrace “the obligation to build the future” through dialogue and non-violent means, the bishops indicated.  “We must leave behind divisions, confrontations and all that jeopardizes the search for common understand,” they said.

They also underscored that maintaining social harmony in Peru would come from respect for justice, a commitment to peace, defense of human life and of other human rights, as well as respect for democratic institutions.

While the bishops acknowledged that there has been economic progress in the country, they exhorted the government, lawmakers and business leaders to unite efforts to benefit, “those most in need in Peru and to thus bring about authentic hope.”

“The exclusion of many of our brothers and sisters from economic benefits demands a just solution in the struggle against poverty, in order to guarantee social justice and ensure a dignified quality of life,” the bishops stated.

Although they acknowledged that the road is hard and difficult, the bishops said they were optimistic and they offered prayers that the Peruvian saints would intercede to help bring about “a nobler, more dignified, more just and more humane Peru.”