The Conference of the Mexican Episcopate (CEM) met with the president Claudia Sheinbaum in a meeting where they expressed their main concerns to the president, among them the construction of peace, the strengthening of the rule of law, as well as the preservation of the balance between the powers of the nation and violence.
“The bishops, concerned with the reality that our people are experiencing, share with the President our deep concern about the situation of violence that affects various regions of the country, as well as the devastation of our natural resources.
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We recognize the efforts made to address the social causes of these problems, but we emphasize the need for more effective strategies for the disarmament of criminal groups and the protection of our communities.”, the bishops noted in a statement.
The Catholic hierarchy thanked the head of the Executive Branch for the visit and stated that it values her willingness to dialogue, as well as her proposals for collaboration and coordination on common issues that benefit the construction of justice and peace.
“We trust that this meeting will contribute to strengthening institutional communication channels for the benefit of the people of Mexico. As pastors, we will always be willing to work tirelessly for peace, justice and the common good of our nation.”they pointed out.
Among other topics, they also stated that there are urgent issues that directly affect Mexican families, such as security in our communities, the situation of poverty that afflicts citizens, accompaniment to searching mothers in their tireless work, and the need to guarantee access to spiritual care for the sick in hospitals and the defense of life in all its stages and the dignity of the human person.
In educational matters, they expressed their interest and availability to contribute to the comprehensive training of new generations, always respecting the plurality of visions and methods of knowledge that enrich society, since they considered it essential that the national educational project be inclusive of all sectors involved and recognize the various dimensions of the human being.
The meeting was also attended by the Secretary of the Interior, Rosa Icela Rodriguez, and the head of the Religious Affairs, Prevention and Reconstruction of the Social Fabric Unit of the same department, Clara Luz Flores.
The Conference of the Mexican Episcopate holds a meeting with President Claudia Sheinbaum within the framework of the CXVII Plenary Assembly.
In an atmosphere of institutional dialogue and mutual respect, the Conference of the Mexican Episcopate (CEM) today received Dr. @Claudiashein… pic.twitter.com/PnFL1UQ4NW
— CEM (@IglesiaMexico) November 13, 2024
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What are the key factors influencing violence and social unrest in Mexico, according to Dr. Luis Fernandez?
Interview between Time.news Editor, Maria Rodriguez, and Dr. Luis Fernandez, Expert on Social Justice and Peace Initiatives
Maria Rodriguez: Good morning, Dr. Fernandez! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent meeting between the Conference of the Mexican Episcopate and President Claudia Sheinbaum. It seems like a significant step in addressing pressing national issues.
Dr. Luis Fernandez: Good morning, Maria! Thank you for having me. Indeed, the meeting is crucial as it highlights the collaboration between the government and the church, especially in times of turmoil and violence in the country.
Maria Rodriguez: The bishops expressed a deep concern about the increasing violence affecting various regions. From your perspective, what are the underlying factors contributing to this situation?
Dr. Luis Fernandez: There are several intertwined factors. Firstly, socio-economic issues such as poverty and lack of access to education fuel crime and violence. Additionally, the degradation of natural resources often exacerbates these problems, forcing communities into desperation. The bishops have rightly pointed out that addressing these root causes is fundamental to building long-term peace.
Maria Rodriguez: They also mentioned the need for more effective strategies for disarmament of criminal groups. What are some potential approaches that could be implemented to tackle this challenge?
Dr. Luis Fernandez: A multi-faceted approach is necessary. This can include stronger law enforcement initiatives combined with community-based programs that offer education and employment opportunities to at-risk populations. Furthermore, fostering dialogue between communities and law enforcement can help build trust, which is essential for effective policing and community safety.
Maria Rodriguez: The bishops appreciated the President’s willingness to engage in dialogue. How important do you think open communication is in addressing these national issues?
Dr. Luis Fernandez: Open communication is vital. It helps to build bridges between different sectors of society—government, religious organizations, and the communities themselves. The bishops mentioned institutional communication channels; these are essential for ensuring that policies are crafted and implemented with the input of those directly affected by violence and poverty.
Maria Rodriguez: What did you make of their acknowledgment of President Sheinbaum’s efforts to address social causes? Do you think these efforts are sufficient?
Dr. Luis Fernandez: It’s a positive sign that there is recognition of her efforts, but acknowledgment alone isn’t enough. There must be consistent implementation of comprehensive strategies. The church has a role here as well, acting as a mediator and facilitator between the government and the communities in need. Together, they can create actionable plans to confront these social challenges.
Maria Rodriguez: The concern for spiritual care alongside these pressing issues is also noteworthy. How crucial is spiritual support in these contexts?
Dr. Luis Fernandez: Spiritual care is incredibly important. It provides emotional and psychological support to individuals suffering from trauma due to violence and instability. The church can be a source of hope and resilience for many families. This aspect of care shouldn’t be underestimated, as it can significantly contribute to the healing process of communities.
Maria Rodriguez: Thank you for providing such insightful perspectives, Dr. Fernandez. As we strive for peace and justice in Mexico, what do you believe is the next step in this journey?
Dr. Luis Fernandez: Moving forward, it will be crucial to develop collaborative frameworks that include various stakeholders— from government bodies to civil society and religious organizations. A unified approach will not only address immediate concerns of violence and poverty but will also foster a culture of peace and justice in the long run.
Maria Rodriguez: Thank you, Dr. Fernandez, for your valuable insights. It’s clear that while challenges persist, there is hope for a more peaceful future through dialogue and collaboration.
Dr. Luis Fernandez: Thank you for having me, Maria. I share that hope and look forward to witnessing the positive changes that can arise from these important discussions.