CARACAS, Venezuela, DEC. 4, 2007 (Zenit.org).- The Church will continue promoting peace in Venezuela, confirmed the bishops of the country after President Hugo Chávez's proposed constitutional reforms were defeated in a referendum.
Archbishop Ubaldo Santana Sequera of Maracaibo told the newspaper El Universal on Monday that the Church will continue calling "for the paths of peace," and promoting encounters of dialogue and understanding.
Chávez lost a constitutional referendum Sunday that would have enabled him to remain in power for life and move Venezuela closer toward a socialist state.
The prelate said he was "very proud" of the "excellent democratic conduct shown by" the Venezuelan people.
"Yesterday's results opens a new opportunity in Venezuela so that those who shape the different sectors of life of the country can work together and discover paths of mutual collaboration, in addition to looking for ways to overcome confusion and to work for reconciliation and peace," said Archbishop Santana Sequera.
The archbishop of Maracaibo acknowledged that it is necessary to sustain a climate of hope, to reject violent confrontation and to begin a new phase of dialogue in mutual respect. The above article is reposted with permission from Zenit.
____________________ Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
