Venezuelan bishop warns government to respect constitution

Last updated on: January 8, 2013 at 11:18 pm by CNA Daily News

Venezuelan bishop warns government to respect constitution 2013-01-08T23:18:00+00:00 CNA Daily News

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Caracas, Venezuela, Jan 8, 2013 / 04:18 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- A leading Venezuelan bishop called on government officials to avoid manipulating the constitution amid uncertainty over the swearing-in of cancer-stricken President Hugo Chavez for a second term.

“To alter the constitution to obtain a political objective is morally unacceptable,” said Archbishop Diego Padron Sanchez, president of the Bishops’ Conference of Venezuela.

“The political and social scene, because of the uncertainty stemming from the president’s illness, remains obscure,” he observed on Jan. 7 during the opening of the bishops’ 99th Plenary Assembly.

“Various interpretations are being made of the constitutional norm that governs the swearing in of the president for a new term,” he said, noting that the Chavez administration’s first term expires on Jan. 10, the day that the president is supposed to take the oath of office after being reelected.

“Election day on Oct. 7 would have made no sense if it were not for the purposes of a distinct term of government, similar to the new term of the current president of the National Assembly,” Archbishop Padron said.

He underscored that the bishops’ role is not to interpret the constitution but warned that “the common good of the country and the defense of ethics are at stake.”

Archbishop Padron explained that disregard for the constitution would lead to power struggles, violence and anarchy, making the country ungovernable.

He also echoed national uncertainty over the lack of clear information about the current state of Chavez’s health.

“So far there has been no official declaration by a Venezuelan doctor,” he stressed. “The government has only communicated its political truth, with obvious difficulty.”

The archbishop highlighted the sentiments of solidarity being expressed towards Hugo Chavez, even among his political rivals.

“It has been beautiful to see how the supporters and the adversaries of the president have come together in prayer and offerings to God for his speedy recovery and return, which is best for the country,” he said. “To assume the contrary attitude would not only be anti-Christian but also inhumane and anti-Venezuelan.”

Archbishop Padron concluded by calling on Venezuelans to turn their hearts to God and foster dialogue to overcome divisions and unite the country.

“We are sure we will come out very liberated from the controversial national situation if we mutually recognize each other, if we value our abilities and count on the unfailing help of God,” he said.

Americas

Previous Post

January 8, 2013

Benedict XVI will see Christ statue from the air during WYD

Next Post

January 9, 2013 LA archdiocese to release documents as part of anti-abuse effort

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Americas Asia - Pacific Europe Middle East - Africa Uncategorized US Vatican

Select a Month November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are ____.

Select your answer to see how you score.

Hidden Saved Uplifted Protected