Since taking office, President Carlos Salinas de Gortari had proposed the modernization of the Mexican state's relations with the Church. This situation was further propelled when the head of the Executive himself proposed reforming Articles 3, 5, 27, and 130 of the Political Constitution, defining the new legal status of the Church in Mexico.

The proposed reforms aimed to establish a new framework for the Church's role and position within the Mexican state. The President recognized the need to update the existing constitutional provisions, which had been in place since the 1917 constitution, to reflect the changing social and political landscape.

The modernization of the state-Church relationship was a central element of President Salinas' agenda. He believed that the outdated legal framework had hindered the Church's ability to participate fully in Mexican society and had created tensions between the two institutions. By proposing the constitutional reforms, the President sought to address these issues and pave the way for a more collaborative and harmonious relationship.

The proposed changes to Articles 3, 5, 27, and 130 were designed to grant the Church a greater degree of autonomy and legal recognition. This included provisions for the Church to own property, participate in education, and engage in various social and charitable activities without undue government interference.

The reforms also aimed to establish a more balanced and equitable relationship between the state and the Church, acknowledging the latter's important role in Mexican society. The President recognized the need to move beyond the historical tensions and mistrust that had characterized the state-Church dynamic in the past.

The proposed constitutional amendments were met with a range of reactions, both within the government and among the general public. Some welcomed the changes as a necessary step towards modernization and a more inclusive society, while others expressed concerns about the potential implications for the separation of church and state.

Ultimately, the success of the proposed reforms depended on the ability of the President and his administration to navigate the complex political and social landscape, build consensus, and address the concerns of various stakeholders. The modernization of the state-Church relationship was a significant challenge, but one that the President was determined to tackle in order to enhance the overall stability and progress of the Mexican nation.

product information:

Attribute	Value
publisher	‎Fondo de Cultura Económica (January 1, 1994)
language	‎Spanish
paperback	‎392 pages
isbn_10	‎9681643453
isbn_13	‎978-9681643454
item_weight	‎1.05 pounds
dimensions	‎9.84 x 6.69 x 1.18 inches