The Church has "neither the expertise nor the mandate" to put forward technical and financial solutions but the economic crisis calls on the Church to outline the ethical implications of the economic system. Cardinal Vingt-Trois, Archbishop of Paris and President of the French Bishops Conference, had spoken about the financial crisis in his opening lecture held today in Lourdes which marked the beginning of the French Bishops Plenary Assembly. "The financial turmoil of these days is a threat and is affecting not only the revenue of big financial institutions and small savers, but also all those whose life and work is based on firm’s vitality and productivity regardless of their size," said the Cardinal. The European governments’ quick and strong intervention may have prevented the worst. In any case, it has shown the good will to face together a moment of crisis. In the face of temporary employment and many salary cuts, we are all encouraged to reflect upon the organisation of our economic and social life. Of course, the Church has neither the expertise nor the mandate to provide solutions to these problems. But she does have the mission and the competence to help our citizens live humanely in the economic context and understand its moral implications." ” “
