Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bogota (Agenzia Fides) - At the close of their Plenary Assembly held last week (see Fides 24/1/2008, 29/1/2008), the Colombian Bishops issued a statement manifesting their position and commitment in regards to the recent events that trouble their country, especially the situation of FARC and the hostages.
They recall what they already have affirmed time and again: the Catholic Church “has been and will always be willing to promote, facilitate, and accompany any process that can possibly lead to the building of a reconciled Colombia, in peace and with social justice.” This comes as a decision rooted in “our faith and the commitment of our faithful.” According to the Bishops, what urges them to take action on behalf of their brethren who suffer is “the value of life, respect for human dignity, the demands of the Gospel for forgiveness and reconciliation, respect for human rights, and above all, charity.”
They also express their regret for the great number of hostages that remain in captivity, who “not only are deprived of their freedom, but also suffer inhumane treatment and living conditions that are an affront to the most basic demands of human rights.” With this in mind, the Church “joins in the cry of the Colombian people and the international community to demand the freeing of all hostages.” The Bishops also asked the people to participate in the demonstrations that were held February 4, to oppose kidnapping and ask that all hostages be released. (see Fides 29/1/2008, 4/2/2008).
In their statement, the Bishops also ask that the FARC “respond to the cry of the Colombian people and the world, accepting our offer to dialogue in order to find common ground that allows for an agreement of terms between the Government and FARC to free the hostages,” as the Colombian Bishops’ Conference has been insisting.
Another matter that concerns the Bishops of Colombia is its loss of relations with its neighbouring country, Venezuela. “We are two brother countries, with a common history, with social, cultural, and economic ties, and with a large number of citizens who live in one country and work in the other,” the Bishops wrote. With this in mind, they ask that “taking diplomatic measures, healthy relations can once again be restored, building on mutual respect and without the meddling of either country in the internal aspects of the other.”
The Bishops concluded their statement expressing their desire that the country may taste the joy of peace and asking that the people increase prayers, “so that the Lord may bless us, protect us, and help us find the way that leads our country to a stable and lasting peace with social justice.” (RG) (Agenzia Fides 7/2/2008; righe 36 parole 443)
