Church Worries Chávez Could Seize Properties

KOENIGSTEIN, Germany, NOV. 17, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Will Hugo Chávez’s brand of socialism lead to the confiscation of Church properties in Venezuela? There is reason to fear the answer is yes, according to an international charity group.

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Aid to the Church in Need reported this month that a source close to the Venezuelan episcopal conference has expressed concern the Chávez administration might be eyeing the land of several Catholic schools.

Chávez’s decision to confiscate leading financial institutions and businesses connected with the oil industry has increased concern in Venezuela, the source said.

He recounted that some weeks ago, officials in Caracas announced plans to seize several Catholic schools, in a campaign to «protect historic buildings of national importance.»

Church authorities fear it could be the first step in a confiscation program that will affect Church property across the South American nation, Aid to the Church in Need reported.

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