Rome, 19th January 2011 - The following is an open letter the President of the Baptist Union in Italy (UCEBI) has sent to the Italian Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi:
Mr Prime Minister
I am writing this letter as president of the Baptist Union in Italy, but above all as pastor, to call your attention to some verses from one of the psalms of David (101) Although responsible for government, David did not always know how best to administer the delicate relationship between power and responsibility. In this prayer to God, he makes some clear pledges, placing limits on his power and evidencing his own responsibility.
I bring these pledges to your attention, not only as a pastor, but also as an Italian citizen and as a Christian; at a time when life in Italy has become morally corrupt, I ask you to compare yourself with a Word which is more authoritative than mine or anyone else’s. A Word that has truly the power to judge and to absolve.
Psalm 101
I will sing of your love and justice;
I will be careful to lead a blameless life
I will walk in my house with blameless heart.
I will set before my eyes no vile thing.
Men of perverse heart shall be far from me.
My eyes will be on the faithful in the land,
That they may dwell with me;
He whose walk is blameless will minister to me.
No-one who practices deceit will dwell in my house.
My hope is that you will give these words the attention they deserve,
With best wishes,
Raffaele Volpe,
President of the Baptist Union in Italy.