Argentinean bishops call for dialogue to prevent excessive fragmentation of society

Buenos Aires, Argentina, Nov 12, 2006 / 22:00 pm

The Bishops’ Conference of Argentina has called for an increase in dialogue “in order to overcome the excessive fragmentation that is weakening our society” and for a greater willingness to “find the necessary consensuses to help us reaffirm our identity and grow in social friendship.”

In a statement entitled, “The Common Good and Dialogue,” the Argentinean bishops gathered for the 92nd Plenary Assembly said, “This path, united to a true spirit of reconciliation that is born of the truth, is strengthened in justice and made complete in love, is what will allow us to strengthen the institutions of the nation.”

Despite “the achievements that, through the efforts of many Argentineans, have been achieved in recent years, poverty levels, social exclusion, and inequality remain high,” the bishops stressed.  “Therefore, it is necessary that, living more austerely, we be concerned much more with the poor and be committed with a spirit of solidarity to increasing the riches of the country and more equally distributing them,” they said.

During a press conference presenting the statement, Bishop Guillermo Garlatti, president of the Bishops’ Committee on Education, said the prelates would also be releasing a letter this week addressing issues related to the country’s educational laws.