BOLIVIA: Christian Groups Stir Up Debate over New Constitution

[Judi Lynn]

BOLIVIA: Christian Groups Stir Up Debate over New Constitution
By Franz Chávez

LA PAZ, Jan 16 (IPS) - "Did you know they want to throw God out of Bolivia?" asks a television spot frequently broadcast by opponents of leftwing Bolivian President Evo Morales ahead of the Jan. 25 referendum on constitutional reform.

The reform proposed by the government eliminates the clause in the current constitution in which the Bolivian state "recognises and upholds the apostolic Roman Catholic religion" as the country’s official religion.

The Catholic Church is not formally taking sides in the debate, but the opposition is using the proposed change as one of its arguments against the reform.

With their ads, opponents "are using the media for manipulation," says Catholic priest and anthropologist Xavier Albó, who believes that the spirit of pluralism touted by the government will not restrict the activities of his Church.

More:
http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=45450

(Looks as if the right-wingers are trying another route to prevent the constitution referendum, since the Bush coup failed.)