Bolivian bishops say constitutional assembly could be opportunity

Published: 2006-03-27

LA PAZ, Bolivia (CNS) -- Bolivia's bishops said the upcoming assembly charged with rewriting Bolivia's Constitution could be a great opportunity to build "bridges of encounter and reconciliation." In a pastoral letter, "Let Us Build a Bolivia for All," issued March 22, the bishops said the new constitution should include truth, freedom, justice, charity, transparency and dialogue. They also urged the delegates, who will be elected in July for the August assembly, to include measures to defend the right to life, support the family and protect Bolivians' rights to jobs with fair pay, social security and health insurance, education, housing and a fair judicial system. Above all, the prelates said, the new constitution and the government of President Evo Morales, who took office in January, must ensure the inclusion of all Bolivians and protect those who are the poorest and most vulnerable, particularly the indigenous people, who make up about half the population.

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