Bishops of Santa Fe value that the Catholic Church is mentioned in the Provincial Constitution

The dioceses that make up the territory of the province of Santa Fe (Argentina) issued a joint declaration When the approved text of the new provincial Constitution is known, valuing that the Catholic Church has an explicit mention, in recognition of its presence and historical contribution.

After article 3 was suppressed, which established that “the religion of the province is the Catholic, Apostolic and Roman, which will provide its most determined protection, without prejudice to religious freedom that its inhabitants enjoy”, the Catholic Church had claimed that, in recognition of its historical, cultural, social and spiritual career in the province, it would be mentioned in the Provincial Magna Carta.

After some modifications, the approved text He expresses: “The province ensures the distinction between the State and the religious order, and does not establish official religion,” and adds that “the relationship between the State, the Catholic Church, the Churches and the legally recognized cults are governed by the principles of autonomy, equality, not discrimination, cooperation and neutrality.”

In this way, although no recognition is made to its preponderance throughout the provincial history, the Catholic Church is expressly mentioned in the reformed constitution.

In their statement, the bishops value the final wording of article 3 of the new Constitution, which ensures the distinction between the State and the religious order, without establishing official religion, but expressly recognizing the Catholic Church.

“This formulation clearly includes several of the contributions that we have manifested as a church,” they point out, highlighting that it is “a gesture of democratic maturity, institutional recognition and respect for a story shared with the Santa Fe people.”

The prelates observe in the new article “a balanced expression, current and faithful to the spirit of dialogue, autonomy and cooperation that as a church we promote with state institutions.”

“We value that the Constitution makes visible the place that faith and its expressions have had, and have, in the life of the communities,” they add.

During the reform process, the bishops remember, from the Church contributions were offered in three fundamental axes: integral ecology; human life and dignity; and political organization.

Within that framework, they show their hope by verifying that some of these issues “have found an echo in the approved text: the right to water, the environment, digital rights, education aspects, the strengthening of the democratic system, recognition of native peoples, rights of persons with disabilities and positive action measures for historically violated sectors, among others”.

“The plural and respectful participation expresses the synodal path that, as a church, we are called to travel,” they express.

Finally, they summon all social, political and community actors to continue building a culture of the meeting together, “in which no one is outside and everyone can contribute to the common good.”

Also, they reaffirm the commitment of the Catholic Church to walk alongside the Santa Fe people “with humility and hope, promoting the dignity of each person and accompanying the life of our communities with joy.”

The message is signed by Mons. Eduardo Martín, Archbishop of Rosario; Mons. Sergio Fenoy, Archbishop of Santa Fe de la Vera Cruz; Mons. Pedro Torres, Bishop of Rafaela; Mons. Ángel Macín, Bishop of Reconquista; Mons. Ernesto Fernández, auxiliary bishop of Rosario; Mons. Matías neighboring, auxiliary bishop of Santa Fe; Mons. Han Lim Moon, Bishop of Venado Tuerto; and the interdiocesan team – constitutional reform.