Bishops reiterate need for economic, social stability in Panamanian families

Catholic bishops in Panama are appealing for people to use their faith to strengthen families despite society succumbing to poverty, inequality and violence. 

"It is in the family, the sacrament of God Trinitarian that is communion, where we find the deepest mysteries of human life, such as love, total self-giving for others, the joy of amazement generated by the gift of life of each member, and the strength that love arouses for one's own family in times of crisis," the bishops said.

"Society, and in particular the State and international organizations, must protect, defend and promote the dignity and integrity of the family, with political, economic, social and legal measures that guarantee the development, growth and maturity of each member,” they said, Fides reported.

“In this mission, we are all committed to seeking to strengthen the unity and stability of the family, so that it can fulfill its mission," the bishops said in a statement at the end of their annual assembly of the Panamanian Episcopal Conference following the conclusion of the Year of the Family and the tenth World Meeting of Families in Rome.

They pointed out that "the family is the first and fundamental cell of the social nature of man” where citizens find in it the “first school of social virtues, which "are the soul of the life and of the development of society itself". 

"The family constitutes, more than a legal, social and economic unit, a community of love and solidarity, irreplaceable for the teaching and transmission of cultural, ethical, social, spiritual and religious values, essential for the development, defense and well-being of its own members and of society", the bishops said.  

That is why there is need to promote the family, respecting their rights and ensuring their well-being, they said. 

Poverty and violence

The bishops lamented that many families have been forced, for decades, to live in poverty, being deprived of their rights to a decent life, to an education of quality, safe housing conditions, much more humane health care.

Despite positive economic growth, there are large economic disparities in Panama especially with the gap between rich and poor, rural and urban increasing. Many children are directly affected by this lack of equality, especially in remote rural regions and those of indigenous populations.

Poverty is estimated at 12.3 percent in 2021, according to the World Bank that adds that while Panama’s fiscal position has improved in 2021, the deficit and debt levels are still high. 

“One of the great threats that threatens the stability of the Panamanian family is the growing climate of violence that is registered throughout the country, and has its roots, on many occasions, in precarious situations of poverty,” they said.

“Cases of abuse and aggressiveness in family members, especially against the most fragile such as children and women have reached worrying levels,” the bishops said.

Women are threatened with death by most of whom are partners or former partners, media reports. 

In 2021 the country reported a 47 percent increase in women’s violent deaths after registering 22 cases of such crimes.

Between January and March this year, femicide cases in Panama rose 20 percent, and killing of women increased by 100 percent compared to the same period in 2021, when only nine of such crimes were reported.

The country is also facing a chain of bloodshed that seems to overwhelm the authorities in the face of a spiral of violence linked to gangs, La Estrella de Panama newspaper reported recently.

The bishops said they view this current situation of the family with some concern, in addition to drug trafficking that has penetrated various sectors of society, bringing death and destruction to Panamanian families.

Building a civilization of love

The bishops appealed to sectors of society to "work together in the construction of a country that provides economic, social and emotional stability to the Panamanian family". 

"An authentic conversion and transformation is necessary that leads to a fair and dignified distribution of wealth," and at the same time, "it is urgent to promote the family". 

The family plays an important role in education, where parents have the right to educate their children according to their moral, religious and cultural convictions, since "it is the sanctuary where life is born and takes shape". 

"From the family begins the construction of the civilization of love, from there springs the new humanity we desire, the professionals, servants and leaders of our beloved Panama are born", they said. 

"We must all work in search of a better country, even more so now that we are coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic" which has left tears and pain, as well as economic and educational consequences for young people." 

They appealed to the government, to social organizations and to all men and women of good will, "to seek together solutions to the historical moment in which we live as a people". 

The bishops promised that as pastors they “we will continue to walk together and in the midst of our communities sharing their difficulties and hopes, moved by the gospel of love and justice".