After close presidential race, bishops ask Peruvians to work together

Published: 2006-06-23

LIMA, Peru (CNS) -- In the wake of a close and sometimes acrimonious presidential race, Peru's bishops called for "the collaboration of all political parties and social groups, without exclusion" to work for the common good. In a message titled "Ready to Give a Response to Hope," the bishops called for government policy to "respect ethical and moral principles," adding that "resorting to violence, force and intolerance will always be destructive." At a press conference June 22, Archbishop Miguel Cabrejos Vidarte of Trujillo, president of the Peruvian bishops' conference, urged the new administration to "govern Peru for all Peruvians and with all Peruvians." The June 4 presidential election pitted former President Alan Garcia, who governed the country from 1985 to 1990 and whose term was marked by hyperinflation and political violence, against a political newcomer, retired Lt. Col. Ollanta Humala, who appealed to poor rural Peruvians and shantytown dwellers. Garcia, who will take office July 28, won by a margin of 53 percent to 47 percent.

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