Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Cochabamba (Agenzia Fides) – “We, the Bishops of Bolivia, as pastors that closely experience the situation of our country, along with our people, raise our voices to make an urgent call in the face of a widespread violence that is affecting even the most remote areas of the country and that threatens to lead the entire nation into irreversible situations that later we will only be able to regret.” With these words, the Bolivian Bishops’ Conference began their statement, which was issued yesterday, September 11, in Cochabamba, following a two-day meeting of the Permanent Council, in which they expressed their concern for the violence and social conflict that has increased in Bolivia. The statement, which is entitled “No to violence; yes to understanding!,” the Bishops affirm that Bolivia is undergoing a social and political process of changes that should lead to a better life for all citizens. In order for this to come about, what is needed is “a combined effort to overcome poverty, caring for those most in need.” “The autonomous processes can allow for more efficient services with a greater public participation.” Thus, “the new Constitution...should see to this matter and other important elements needed for establishing justice and peace in society.”
However, “Bolivia is now threatened by growing conflict and violence among citizens that, with intolerance, hate, xenophobia, and racism, try to impose their vision of the country.” And this occurs even in spite of the majority of Bolivians that say ‘yes’ to life and reject the use of violence” and “trust and pray that the solutions to these problems may be found in a pacific manner, in the form of agreement.”
In response to this situation, the Bishops are making a strong appeal: “In the name of God, we call for an end to the violence and that we may all join in leading our country on the path of integral construction, based on the values of justice, truth, freedom, and solidarity.” And they ask all social, political, and civil leaders to “positively resolve the dilemma using trustworthy institutional means,” as “no debate or confrontation, nor search for power should lead to death or bloodshed or humiliation.”
Addressing the citizens, they ask that they not lose the faith in their country, and reminded them that “the conflict and aggression only lead to more violence, pain, and suffering in our families, causing deep wounds and creating obstacles in the progress of society, especially the poor.”
They also addressed those in charge of the media, reminding them of their important role in offering information and in guiding the people, in being “pillars of an authentic democratic society,” a task that “should contribute to a climate of serenity, knowledge, critical thought, and mutual trust.”
Lastly, they ask all believers to accompany their efforts with prayer and charitable works. With this situation, the Bishops have asked all the faithful to join in a National Day of Prayer for Peace on Friday, September 19, “where each community of believers is called to pray and make a public act, pilgrimage, and hold a community event and other celebrations, raising our prayers to the Lord of life and to the Blessed Mother, the Queen of Peace, that they may guide us on paths of reconciliation, the common good, dignity, and freedom.”
In response to the state of violence and crisis occurring in the country, the Bishop of San Ignacio de Velasco has issued a statement denouncing the violence and threats carried out by a group of young people. In fact, some of the employees at “Radio Juan XXIII,” and even the Bishop of the Diocese himself, Bishop Carlos Stetter, were attacked, insulted, and threatened by these youth, who approached them in a state of drunkenness and armed with weapons. The threat was reported on September 9, following the forced entry in some public places in the area. A similar occurrence was reported in the city of Santa Cruz, a group of vandals sacked and plummeted the local offices of the National Tax Services (SIN), the National Institute for Agricultural Reform (INRA), and the National Telecommunications Company (ENTEL). (RG) (Agenzia Fides 12/9/2008)
