wfn.org | Chile Catholic Bishops recognize huge inequalities

[George Gundrey <ggundrey@igc.apc.org>]

ALC NEWS SERVICE

IN THE CONTEXT OF CHRISTMAS CATHOLIC BISHOPS STATE THAT 
THERE ARE "HUGE INEQUALITIES" 
502/95

SANTIAGO (Chile), Dec. 22 (ALC). With a call to austerity and special
encouragement for initiatives which combat poverty in Chile, Catholic
Bishops emitted their traditional Christmas message. 

"There are huge inequalities among us," affirmed the text signed by all
bishops who form part of the Permanent Committee. "As Christians we cannot
remain indifferent before the serious problems of poverty."

In their message entitled "Christmas, Road to Hope," the bishops indicated
that during this season "some people spend excessively while others are
unable to reach a more human living standard." 

Regarding young people, the bishop indicated that some suffer from major
subjectivity, which "is translated into selfishness and is the fruit of
the current culture." As a result they are tempted to consumerism and
greater competition. 

"The poorest young people are frustrated," denounced the bishops because
they do not find  "ways to overcome and are insecure about their future."
As a result they fall into apathy, passivity and despair."

Mons. Carlos Oviedo, Archbishop of Santiago, also emitted a Christmas
message. According to the Santiago Bishop, the most important thing to do
at Christmas time is to "focus on Jesus who is born  to save us all." He
added that the absence of God always "leads to despair." 
-------
   Fernando Oshige                 Latin American and Caribbean            
  foshige@alc.org.pe                Communication Agency (ALC)
Telephone (51-1) 2211488               Jose Maria Eguren 189
   Telefax 2212877                         Lima 18 Peru