The Central American bishops of SEDAC view with concern, the effects and consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic, poverty, migration, the crisis of democracy, corruption, the environmental crisis, the ideologization of education, etc. In this regard, they affirm that a “structural reform of the States is required, which strengthens freedom, peace, democracy and social justice.”
Vatican City
The Central American bishops of SEDAC, met virtually in the Annual Assembly that took place from November 30 to December 3, in their message they recalled that the bicentennial of their countries has been marked by the pandemic. And they affirmed that the economic, political and social crisis that affects the life of the Isthmus, show that the freedom that these peoples conquered two hundred years ago is a never-finished task because new slavery appears at all times.
“We regret and join in prayer for the loss of human life, during this year 2021, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and natural disasters.”
The social and ecclesial reality
The Central American bishops are concerned about the effects and consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic, poverty, migration, the crisis of democracy, corruption, gender ideology, the environmental crisis, changes in legislation in order to the imposition of world cultural models such as abortion, euthanasia, same-sex “marriage”, the ideologization of education, and so on.
“All these problems” demand, they affirm in the message, a priority pastoral attention and profound transformations that will only be possible with the consensus of all, solidarity between countries and the commitment and will of those who make the decisions. The bishops of Sedac confirm that a “structural reform of the States is required, which strengthens freedom, peace, democracy and social justice.”
The Ecclesial Assembly of Latin America and the Caribbean
A week ago the unprecedented First Ecclesial Assembly of Latin America and the Caribbean concluded, after a “long process of listening”, and from which the bishops of the continent took on 12 challenges, “recognizing” the multifaceted diversity “of our peoples in its different realities that the continent lives, in its pains and hopes ”.
“Among these challenges, we must take on the following as a priority: We must recognize and promote lay leadership, especially of youth and women; be in solidarity with the victims of social and ecclesial injustice; assume the defense of the dignity of life and of the human person; eradicate clericalism; listen to the cry of the poor, excluded and discarded, as well as indigenous peoples and Afro-descendants, promote inculturation and interculturality and the social thought of the Church; among others”.
Strengthen priestly ministry
For its episcopal mission it is a priority to attend to the vocation, life and ministry of our priests. For this reason they have seen the urgency of reinforcing priestly ministry, to enliven the gift of their vocation, support their fidelity, their continuous conversion and their personal sanctification. In this accompaniment they are aware that it must be personalized and differentiated, according to their identity, values and needs; according to the circumstances of his age, personal situation and ministerial condition. They ask to reinforce the Presbyteral Pastoral, so that it is a permanent and continuous service that contributes to the priests growing in their fidelity and continuous renewal, until the end.
Missionary synodality
The Catholic Church in Central America has begun the itinerary towards the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops with the title “For a Synodal Church: Communion, participation and mission”, which will conclude in October 2023. In this itinerary of preparation For two years, SEDAC considers it essential that bishops, priests, religious men and women abandon “any self-referentiality, that is to say, to keep the Church locked up looking at itself; to favor the participation of the laity and the attentive listening of all the baptized , especially of those who do not attend or do not participate in the Church. ”
“It is necessary to open the mind and the heart to listen and give participation to those who have deep wounds for different reasons and circumstances, in particular the historically excluded, of whom all speak, but few listen. We are willing to leave our temples and put ourselves on the way to announce the Good News of the Gospel and rekindle the hope of our peoples. All the baptized, without distinction and exclusion, are called to participate, and even those who do not share our faith, in this process of listening. conditions so that we can really listen to them and listen to each other, without discrimination, without stereotypes, without prejudice. This is our great challenge. “
The experience of the Ecclesial Assembly in Latin America and the Caribbean has allowed them to advance and deepen the synodal process. They are ready to contribute in the Synodal Church, where “we all walk together: Pope, bishops, priests, religious, laity, to respond to the challenges of the world in this millennium.”
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