"Is the Church fulfilling a purely religious role when by its silence or friendly relationships it lends legitimacy to dictatorial and oppressive government?"

"The imbalance between developed and underdeveloped countries - caused by the relationships of dependence - becomes more acute if the cultural point of view is taken into consideration."

"The Church cannot be a prophet in our day if she herself is not turned to Christ."

"Although until recently the Church was closely linked to the established order, it is beginning to take a different attitude regarding the exploitation, oppression, and alienation which prevails in Latin America. This has caused concern among the beneficiaries and defenders of capitalist society, who no longer can depend on what used to be - whether consciously or unconsciously - one of their mainstays."

"Human history is in truth nothing but the history of the slow, uncertain, and surprising fulfillment of the Promise."

"The complete encounter with the Lord will mark an end to history, but it will take place in history."

"The future of history belongs to the poor and exploited."

"To hope does not mean to know the future, but rather to be open, in an attitude of spiritual childhood, to accepting it as a gift."

"Through the persons who explicitly accept his Word, the Lord reveals the world to itself."

"In the Bible poverty is a scandalous condition inimical to human dignity and therefore contrary to the will of God."

"Liberation from every form of exploitation, the possibility of a more human and dignified life, the creation of a new humankind - all pass through this struggle."

"By keeping historical events in their proper perspective, theology helps safeguard society and the Church from regarding as permanent what is only temporary. Critical reflection thus always plays the inverse role of an ideology which rationalizes and justifies a given social and ecclesial order."