AMERICA/ARGENTINA - Church appeals for dialogue and prayer to resolve conflict between farmers and the national government

Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - Countless numbers of Bishops and Church organizations are showing their concern for the situation that has arisen in the country following the outbreak of a conflict between farmers and the national government that has lead to protests, road blocking, and shortage of basic food supplies. In a statement issued by the Executive Committee of the Episcopal Conference of Argentina, the Church calls for dialogue, “which is the great instrument in building and preserving democracy.” In this manner, the statement said, “we may overcome the unnecessary divisions that weaken our society and may more readily find the necessary consensus that will reaffirm us in our identity and enable us to grow in social cordiality.”
The National Justice and Peace Committee has also issued a statement inviting those implied in the conflict “to offer a truce that would permit them to proceed, through meetings and dialogue, towards a just and equal resolution of the present situation, one that takes into account the welfare of all Argentineans, especially those most in need.”
The Department for the Laity (DEPLAI) states that, “We share the concern that has arisen in the heart of our society, in the face of the events that are altering the otherwise-peaceful coexistence of the Argentinean people. As members of this nation, we wish to express our intention to continue working for mutual respect in society, for respect of personal rights of each person, and overcoming social division, recognizing that dialogue is the way to resolve conflicts and to come to an agreement that leads to the resolution of the present dispute. The common good of the country should be the goal and responsibility that we all work towards, each in his own manner. Let us pray that we may be capable of building a country of brotherhood.”
Catholic Action of Argentina has expressed its hope that “respect, peaceful coexistence, and solidarity may reign, making way for the resolution of conflicts through dialogue, with the common good of the nation as the primary aim.”
The Ecumenical Committee of Christian Churches in Argentina has also made an appeal “to place aside attitudes that foster division, in order to find a just resolution. Violence does not solve problems, neither do hateful or obstinate attitudes. We believe that the redistribution of wealth is a valid and just cause, however we also see that responsible dialogue is the indispensable means towards a greater social justice.”
Many Bishops throughout the country are also calling for dialogue and prayer in order to reach a resolution of the conflict. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 28/3/2008; righe 33, parole 425)