Argentinean archbishop says politicians need to dare to speak the truth

Buenos Aires, Argentina, Nov 11, 2008 / 18:16 pm

Archbishop Hector Aguer of La Plata has called on Argentineans not to be fooled into thinking that in order to get into politics one has engage in deceit, adding that “a healthy political life” demands “respect for the truth.”

In his television program, Keys to a Better World, the archbishop recounted a meeting he had with a young man who did not want to enter politics because he figured he would have to “live in deceit.”  The archbishop stressed that the Church views political service as an act of charity and that those who are ready to enter politics should not refrain from doing so because of some “moral hindrance.”  There is a great need for truth in politics, he continued, which is a sign of “our civil and cultural decadence.”

Those who participate actively in politics “should be characterized by prudence, and prudence is the capacity we have to be truthful, to carry out the truth.”  “Only truth and love can assure that we live together in a healthy and peaceful way, allowing everyone to grow.”

The purpose of politics, he continued, “is not to superficially convince us that things can be different.  Obviously there needs to be people who are willing to take risks and who, amidst a general atmosphere of lies, dare to speak and live in the truth.”