Aid to the Church in Need: Venezuela: How “Chavism” has become a sort of religion in Venezuela

Venezuela: How “Chavism” has become a sort of religion in Venezuela

Posted by Information report on 20/2/2009, 8:50 am
Board Administrator

How “Chavism” has become a sort of religion in Venezuela

On Sunday 15 February Venezuelans went to the polls for the second time to vote on an amendment to the Constitution. The referendum involves changes to five articles governing political power in Venezuela. Among other things they involve the scrapping of the limitation on the potential term of office of elected representatives. Such a move would pave the way for the unlimited reelection of the current president, Hugo Chavez, even after the end of his current term of office in 2012.

Already in December 2007 the citizens of the country had voted "No" in the first referendum. This time, at his second attempt, Hugo Chavez has managed to obtain a majority.

In the run-up to the referendum, the major cities and especially the capital, Caracas, witnessed massive demonstrations and violent confrontations both by supporters and by opponents of the president. On 19 January, and again on 31 January, unknown assailants attacked the apostolic nunciature in Caracas. It was the seventh such attack in recent months.

The international Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has spoken about the current situation in the country with Javier Legorreta, head of the Latin America desk that includes responsibility for this country. We give the text of this interview below:

ACN: Barely a year ago, the citizens of Venezuela had already rejected the proposed changes to the constitution. One might ask whether this referendum was even legal, whether one can in fact repeat a referendum on the same issue in one and the same parliamentary term?

J.L: People already know that it is illegal (unconstitutional), but Chávez has camouflaged the referendum with his personal charisma, his politics and above all with his ideological slant. It could now be said that "Chavism" has become a sort of religion in Venezuela. The way he speaks, the manner in which he portrays himself, his speeches and debates -- everything revolves around his own person, his ideology and tactical strategy. In this way he has succeeded in creating what people now also call the "Bolivarian Revolution".

ACN: What exactly is this revolution about?

It is an attempt to create a society modelled on the political system of the former Eastern Europe. The same thing still exists to this day in Cuba -- a socialist dictatorship, led by a strong figure, a leader. In Cuba this Leader is Fidel Castro, in Venezuela it is Hugo Chavez.

ACN: On February 2 Hugo Chavez celebrated his 10th anniversary as president of the country. How can we summarise these 10 years? Chávez himself has summed it up in three words, namely socialism, independence and revolution. What has changed in Venezuela during this time?

I would say that it was an attempt to dig ourselves out of one hole, only thereby to fall into another. History will show whether or not this one is better than the old one was. When Chavez began his revolution, the people were suffering badly. They saw the new system offered by Chavez as something attractive and efficient. But in reality people are seeing little of the expected results. There are good things, however, such as the opportunity for Venezuelans to go to Cuba to receive medical treatment. Then on their return, say after an eye operation, they are given follow up treatment by Cuban doctors in Venezuela.

ACN: Following the result of this referendum, Chávez has already announced his intention to run for a third term. What might we expect if his dream of ruling the country for another 10 years is in fact fulfilled?

Chávez sees Simon Bolivar, the leader of the South American independence movement against the Spanish colonial rulers, as the model and example for his country. But he should apply to himself the words uttered by Bolivar: "Daña el que alguien se perpetúe en el poder", or: "anyone who perpetuates his own power damages the country".

ACN: The opposition in Venezuela seems to be made up above all of students and young people. Is that true? Where are the political parties that are meant to supply a balance and a counterweight in a democracy?

Looking at the result of the referendum, no one can say that there is no opposition in Venezuela. 54% were in favour of the constitutional changes, but 46% were against. For the referendum was at the same time a clear yes or no to Chavez and his government. But it is true that it is young people above all who have the desire and the energy to speak out against the antidemocratic policies of the government. They see themselves forced to do so because they sense that there is no alternative, no other figure in Venezuelan political life who can play such a role. Young people see the policies of the old guard as a total failure.

ACN: Relations between the Church and the government have never been easy in recent years. Already back in 2001 there was a wave of terrorist attacks against Church properties. During that time 28 bombs were detonated in a single week. In recent weeks again there have been attacks on the apostolic nunciature in Caracas. What is the situation of the Church in a country where 96% of the population are Catholics?

In these difficult times, the ordinary faithful sense the need to stand by the Church and their pastors. There is a grave crisis in the country and above all great social, economic and political insecurity. Only recently the bishops of Venezuela issued a pastoral letter calling on the government to improve the security situation in the country. It is noticeable that people want to be closer to the Church, for example in the large numbers attending Mass on Sunday, and indeed all the liturgical festivals. On 14 January over two and a half million people came to celebrate the annual feast in honour of Our Lady under the title of the "Divina Pastora" in Barquisimeto. In the parishes where there has been no ideological indoctrination there is a deep and pious faith.

ACN: Initially Hugo Chavez was pursuing the idea of establishing a "Venezuelan Church". He has frequently attacked the bishops, claiming that they want to manipulate the people and meddle in politics. Should the Church stay out of public life?

Chavez is trying to create a split in the Church. He is seeking to polarise attitudes by praising the work of some priests while vehemently criticising the hard work and effort of others. He is trying to create disunity in order to sow discord. It is a good strategy for someone who is seeking to oppress the Church.

ACN: What is the biggest challenge for the Church in Venezuela?

At the moment this country above all needs the support of our prayers. At the same time the Church needs our help to provide catechesis and to train its seminarians for the future. All in all, the religious sisters and the entire clergy generally, need a solid formation so that they can face up to the challenges of the coming years. Many parishes are very poor and in great need. They have to survive on as little as $100 - $160 a month.

(Javier Legorreta, head of the Latin America desk at Aid to the Church in Need)

To help the work of Aid to the Church in Need please contact the Australian office of ACN on (02) 9679-1929. e-mail: info@aidtochurch.org or write to Aid to the Church in Need PO Box 6245 Blacktown DC NSW 2148. Donate On line at www.aidtochurch.org

This message is locked.

Responses are not allowed!

Aid to the Church in Need PO Box 6245 Blacktown DC NSW 2148 ABN: 62 418 911 594
Ph/Fax (02) 9679-1929 e-mail: info@aidtochurch.org web: www.aidtochurch.org