QUAYAQUIL, Ecuador, September 18, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) –The Archdiocese of Guayaquil, Ecuador, held three open-air Masses last weekend, September 13, to remind the faithful of the intrinsic value of human life and the duty of government to protect it.
Although the sermons given at the Masses did not mention Ecuador's newly proposed constitution, they were widely seen as a response to the document's pro-abortion and anti-family language.
The Masses were held under the leadership of Archbishop Antonio Arregui Yarza, who is the head of the nation's conference of Catholic bishops, and who has been vocal in his criticism of the document. His opposition has resulted in numerous death threats, denunciations from government officials, and even criminal charges being filed against him.
In his homily, Arregui Yarza said of unborn children, "We all should support the viability of those lives, when there are difficulties. We can never accept the sacrifice of those lives."
The constitution, which will be voted on September 28, must pass with the approval of at least 50% of eligible voters. In recent weeks, public opinion polls have indicated a movement in favor of ratification, although the ultimate outcome is far from clear.
The Masses drew bitter criticism from Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa, who said that the Catholic bishops of his country were pathetic specters who are reviving the Church-State conflict, "which was overcome 100 years ago."
"They are simply phantoms who dress in black. They speak of God and don't know him, they speak of respecting life and they don't respect it," said Correa.
Although Correa characterized the Masses as a "failure," some media reports indicated that they received "massive" attendance, numbering in the thousands. However, attendance was apparently not as high as expected. Of 18 city blocks closed off for the services, only five were filled.
The Masses were also attended by Quayaquil mayor Jamie Nebot, former Ecuadorian President Gustavo Noboa, and Evangelical Pastor Francisco Medina. Nobot has stated that Quayaquil will seek some degree of "autonomy" if the constitution is ratified, echoing the intentions of several provinces in Bolivia, where some local governments are resisting the policies of President Evo Morales.
By Matthew Cullinan Hoffman
In this special issue of the journal, MICHAEL, the reader will discover who are the true rulers of the world. We discuss that the current monetary system is a mechanism to control populations. The reader will come to understand that "crises" are created and that when governments attempt to get out of the grip of financial tyranny wars are waged.
An Efficient Financial System, written by Louis Even, is for the reader who has some understanding of the Douglas Social Credit monetary reform principles. Technical aspects and applications are discussed in short chapters dedicated to the three propositions, how equilibrium between prices and purchasing power can be achieved, the financing of private and public production, how a Social Dividend would be financed, and, finally, what would become of taxes under a Douglas Social Credit economy. Study this publication to better grasp the practical application of Douglas' work. 
Reflections of African bishops and priests after our weeks of study in Rougemont, Canada, on Economic Democracy, 2008-2018
The Social Dividend is one of three principles that comprise the Social Credit monetary reform which is the topic of this booklet. The Social Dividend is an income granted to each citizen from cradle to grave, with- out condition, regardless of employment status.
Economic Democracy is a book to explain Social Credit in lessons presented in logical order so it may be easier to the reader to grab the main principles of Social Credit rapidly and somehow easily.
In This Age of Plenty deals with Social Credit, but it does not exhaust the topic. Social Credit principles address social and political matters, as well as, or even more so, than economics and will put civilization on a new course.
From Debt to Prosperity outlines briefly the economic analysis and constructive proposals known as Social Credit.
Rougemont Quebec Monthly Meetings
Every 4th Sunday of every month, a monthly meeting is held in Rougemont.
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