Archbishop Roberto Luckert of Coro, Venezuela published a pastoral letter this week calling on the faithful and politicians in the country to do their part to change the direction Venezuela during the September 26 congressional elections.

The archbishop explained that it is his duty “to call for change in the country’s direction and for the struggle against the lasting ills of Venezuelan democracy: corruption, privilege, the lack of administrative continuity, political favoritism, excessive spending, and the moral deterioration of public structures and institutions.”

Archbishop Luckert said the country is heading towards a serious confrontation that will pit Venezuelans against Venezuelans.” He added that the Church “cannot remain indifferent in the face of the historic dilemmas of the nation, when certain values and principles of the human being and society are seriously under threat.”

The archbishop then warned of the growing violence in the country and expressed great sorrow over the large numbers of young people who leave the country in search of the kind of opportunities they cannot find in Venezuela.