Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) – Concerned about the tense situation that has arisen in the country as a result of the conflict between the rural sector and the national government, several Bishops from varying parts of the nation have asked citizens “who profess a faith in God,” to pray for peace and harmony, while they continue to renew their appeals for dialogue as the only path for conflict resolution.
Firstly, the Bishops of Entre Rios (Archbishop of Parana and Bishops of Concordia and Gualeguaychu), the site of the gravest events in recent days, have published a declaration in which “as Pastors, brothers, and citizens,” they address Christians and all those who profess a faith in God among the various creeds, “asking that we may all pray with greater insistence and with renewed confidence in the Lord.” They also pray that there may be peace in the country and in hearts, “praying for a resolution to this situation that, as it worsens, threatens to split apart society” and they ask that the Lord may grant them the wisdom they so need at this time, and to “guide the hearts of authorities,” that walking on the path of “reason and justice,” they may “guarantee the common good of all.” They proceed in making a firm appeal to all concerned, so that “we may find the path to open, loyal, and sincere dialogue, and that we may be serene in overcoming present difficulties.” They conclude by calling on all people to pray for peace and be authentic builders of peace and justice.
The Bishops of Entre Rios also presented their concerns to the government, holding a meeting on Jun 9 with the Vice-Governor of Entre Rios, Dr. José Eduardo Laurito. They presented him with the document, “The Nations needs acts of heroism,” that the Bishops’ Conference’s Permanent Committee published June 5th of this year. The meeting was also attended by Archbishop Mario Luis Bautista Maulión of Paraná; his Auxiliary Bishop César Daniel Fernández, and Cardinal Estanislao E. Karlic, Archbishop emeritus of Paraná. They also presented the government official with a message asking that “dialogue be renewed in order to find a prompt solution to this problem that is afflicting the society,” a conflict that “has persisted so much time, that concerns our people, and in which we are all implied in finding a solution.”
Archbishop José María Arancibia of Mendoza has made an appeal to the faithful of his Archdiocese, asking that they intensify their prayer for the country during these moments of difficulty and he invites all people of good will – Catholic or not – to join in praying for this intention. “Harmony, dialogue, and friendship among Argentineans, especially in situations of conflict, requires heroic acts on the part of all citizens. It is especially obligatory for those with political and social posts,” the statement affirmed.
Bishop Jorge Lozano of Gualeguychú has also spoken out recently on the conflict, mentioning that even though “many voices are heard calling and even shouting for dialogue...diverse sectors and figures of national importance should join in a fraternal gathering in truth and justice.” “We must make every effort we can in this area. We should make decisions that lead us to come together in dialogue,” the Bishop said. With this in mind, he asks God to enlighten the minds of those involved and move their hearts. “With the vision that we have of the human condition, we cannot give up on the quest for truth and justice,” he affirms.
Similar appeals for peace, dialogue, and conflict solution have also been made by several Church institutions, including Caritas of Buenos Aires, who asked people to pray the Prayer for Peace on Father’s Day. The Social-Pastoral Ministry Team of Mendoza said that “situations like the one in which we are living undermines us as a community, isolates us from the world, and in the end will be especially felt by the poorest among us.” The Evangelical Churches, members of the Latin American Churches Council and the Argentina Federation of Evangelical Churches, also issued a statement in reference to the national crisis. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 16/06/2008)
