Peruvian episcopal conference: the Church respects the freedom of voters

April 05, 2016

As Peru’s April 10 general election approaches, the permanent council of the nation’s episcopal conference emphasized that the Church respects the liberty of voters.

The episcopal conference issued the statement after Archbishop Javier Del Río Alba of Arequipa, mentioning two candidates by name, said that it is sinful to vote for candidates who support abortion and homosexual unions.

“The Church respects and promotes the freedom of every person in the exercise of this civic duty,” the episcopal conference said in its statement. “The Church, in fidelity to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, defends principles and inalienable values,” including “respect for human dignity, recognition of the human life as a gift of God, and the care of our common home.”

“Respecting the political and social plurality,” the Church calls citizens to “conscientious and responsible voting,” the statement added.

The nation of 31.2 million is 89% Catholic.

 

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Further information:

• Comunicado Del Consejo Permanente De La Conferencia Episcopal Peruana
• Peruvian prelate says support for pro-abortion politicians is sinful (CWN, 3/30)
• Peruvian bishops issue election statement (CWN, 2/23)