Episcopal Conference‌ of⁣ Chile Addresses Corruption‍ Concerns

The Episcopal ⁢Conference​ of Chile has expressed ⁢deep concern about⁣ the growing cases of corruption in the country. In a message‌ published on September 12, the Conference highlighted the social concern arising from cases of corruption, influence‍ peddling, fraud, misuse of⁤ privileged information, and theft of⁢ public funds.

These crimes, the Conference notes, are particularly serious when⁤ they involve ⁤authorities‍ who are responsible for ensuring the welfare of all, especially the most vulnerable and the poor. The Conference stresses that beyond ‍judicial decisions,⁣ these events express an ethical crisis​ that requires firm and decisive action from the ⁢bodies responsible for judging, with speed, ⁣objectivity, and transparency.

The Impact of Corruption on Social Justice

Corruption, the Conference‌ emphasizes, seriously damages social justice, ​creating citizen suspicion ​in the⁢ essential institutions of the country and discrediting political, social, ⁢and economic⁤ life. This, in turn, ⁢destroys the bonds of solidarity ‍between people and promotes moral relativism, which destroys the sense of belonging and community, favoring⁤ selfishness in human behavior.

Corruption‍ in Public Bodies

The Conference notes that ​corruption in public bodies and their officers ⁢is particularly serious, as the public administration has the responsibility⁣ of⁢ managing State resources for the common good. Corruption affects the power of the State, which ⁤is called ​to resolve⁤ disputes, as is the case in​ the judicial field.

Threats to the ⁣Democratic System

Corruption ⁣also ‌endangers the functioning⁤ of the democratic system, transforming what should be an⁤ impartial process ⁣into a system of influence. This weakens the ability to promote the ⁤most prepared for public positions, jeopardizing the correct⁢ and fair ​functioning of the State.

The​ Moral Root‌ of Corruption

The​ Conference ‍points ‌out that the‍ root⁢ of these problems is moral. Corruption not‌ only implies potential crimes⁢ but also ethically reprehensible behaviors that lead to the abuse of power and create a state of​ social tension and fatigue.

A Call to Action

The Conference calls⁢ on all citizens to respond appropriately to these​ evils, encouraging the bodies responsible⁣ for investigating and⁣ punishing corruption to act in a strict and effective manner. This, the Conference believes, is necessary to regain public trust and promote honesty⁢ and respect ⁤for other‌ people’s property.

A Prayer for the ⁢Country

the ⁣Conference concludes by asking God to give the country the strength and wisdom to keep ‍it as a⁣ place where there is no place for any ‌kind of abuse and where the goods of love for God and neighbor guide our actions.

The⁤ bishops who⁢ signed this⁤ statement are: René Rebolledo Salinas,‍ Archbishop of La⁢ Serena (President); Ignacio Ducasse Medina, Archbishop⁢ of Antofagasta (Vice President), Juan Ignacio González Errázuriz, Bishop‍ of San ​Bernardo; Fernando Chomali Garib,⁢ Archbishop of‌ Santiago;⁤ and⁤ Sergio ‍Pérez de Arce Arriagada, Archbishop ‌of Concepción (General ‍Secretary).