AMERICA/COLOMBIA - The Bishops urge the people to put the good of the country before personal opinions and sentiments, to work to build true peace which comes with reconciliation

Friday, 30 November 2007

Bogota (Agenzia Fides) - The Catholic Bishops of Colombia faithful to the Church's mission and commitment " to be witnesses of hope even in times of difficulty" have issued a statement expressing the hope that confrontation between the presidents of Venezuela and Colombia will not hamper the quest for peace. The Bishops recall "the Catholic Church in Colombia will always be on the side of peace", because "peace belongs to the Gospel preached by Jesus " and it is "a duty as our Political Constitution affirms". The also recall that the path to peace passes necessarily through reconciliation: "hatred and violence distance us from peace; forgiveness and understanding make peace possible".
The Bishops call on all Colombians "to put the good of the country before personal opinions and sentiments; to put aside verbal aggressiveness ; to work generously for the liberation of all men and women unjustly deprived of their freedom; to work to obtain the definitive suspension of such inhuman practices ".
Once again the Bishops underline the Church's willingness to cooperate "to reach humanitarian agreements in order to end the plague of kidnapping and start processes of peace". The statement concludes expressing support for the President, for the institutions and for all those who strive to "make Venezuela a better country". The Bishops urge the people to pray “to the Lord of peace” for unity and prosperity for the country. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 30/11/2007; righe 17, parole 247)


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