AMERICA: ECUADOR: BISHOPS APPEAL FOR RECONCILIATION

Agenzia Fides REPORT –“Reconciliation and Dialogue”: appeal from Ecuadorian Bishops
The Bishops of Ecuador are gathered for their CXXVII biannual Plenary Assembly at the Bethania Social Training Center, to examine and approve the Global Pastoral Plan for the Church in Ecuador, 2011-2015.In this context, the bishops have issued a statement entitled "Reconciliation and Dialogue" because they considered it necessary to reinforce the statement made at the time of the serious events of September 30th (see Fides 10/1/2010)."We cannot justify any insubordination or disrespect for constitutional order, nor the aggression towards the President of the Republic. Indeed, we believe that more support and respect for democratic norms, institutions, and, especially, the lives and rights of all people is needed," reads the document, a copy of which was sent to Fides."Above all, we engage in a sincere search for reconciliation and fraternity, open and constructive dialogue and a culture of legality on the basis of our Christian and humanist traditions," says the statement."Democracy - the bishops say - is kept alive not only by voting, but above all, by the necessary participation and consultation of the various social agents. This allows us to overcome conflict and violence and promote, at the same time, a critical and responsible participation by citizens, without exclusions or submissions.”The bishops conclude by inviting all concerned to continue to work to eradicate poverty and inequality, as the indispensible prerequisite for social peace.The document is signed in Quito, October 21 and bears the signatures of the President of the Bishops' Conference (EEC), Archbishop Antonio Arregui Yarza, Archbishop of Guayaquil, and Bishop Ángel Polivio Sánchez Loaiza, Bishop of Guaranda and Secretary of the EEC. http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=27662&lan=eng

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