Mexican bishop urges rich to give half their wealth to the poor

The Rt Rev Felipe Arizmendi Esquivel, Bishop of San Cristobal de las Casas in Chiapas, told his congregation on Sunday that being a Christian means more than praying and going to Mass each Sunday - the Missionary news service report Commenting on the Gospel (Mark 12, 28-34), Bishop Felipe said that in order to earn salvation, it was necessary to reject theft, corruption, drug trafficking, the abuse of authority, money laundering and the exploitation of natural resources. "Those that possess most will not save their souls by merely attending Mass" he said. "It is necessary also to demonstrate solidarity with immigrants and refugees who have been forced to abandon their homes due to war, political oppression and economic discrimination."