Caracas, Venezuela, Jan 16, 2010 / 01:21 am
The Bishops’ Conference of Venezuela has called on the country's citizens to commit themselves to rebuilding the country by following the ideals of their founding fathers and holding fast to life and liberty.
“Everything that goes against a free, equal, united and fraternal Venezuela will not triumph,” the bishops said in an extensive pastoral letter. “The desire to work for a better future, in the conviction of the definitive triumph of life and liberty over death and any form of oppression, was, is and will be a motive and reason to struggle for a nation that believes, loves and hopes,” they stated.
In their letter the bishops reflected on Venezuela’s history and noted that although the founders made mistakes, their mission was to build a country whose inhabitants would be free, equal and united.
However, they lamented, during the democratic period which began the middle of the 20th century, despite abundant oil resources, most Venezuelans felt left out and disillusioned, believing that democracy was “not for everyone.”