AMERICA/VENEZUELA - The Archdiocese of Caracas calls for the restitution of a Catholic church being used to train 8-14 year-old child soldiers

Caracas (Agenzia Fides) – The Archdiocese of Caracas has sent a message to the government and the armed forces in Venezuela, asking that they restore the “Jesus of Divine Mercy” Chapel, which has been taken “for reserve” to use in the military training of 8-14 year-old children of the “Child and Youth Brigade of the Army Reserves.”
The message was signed by Bishops Luis Armando Tineo and Nicolas Bermudez, Auxiliary Bishops of Caracas. In it, the Bishops explain that the Chapel was blessed on December 16, 2000 by Bishop Nicolas and entrusted to the Lauritas Missionary Sisters. Four years ago, the modest house of the religious was broken into. This past September 7, at the end of the Sunday Mass, a “Appropriation for reserve” “ordered the sisters and the faithful gathered there to abandon the chapel, as from then on it would be used for the military training of the “Child and Youth Brigade of the Army Reserves,” formed by minors of 8-14 years of age. According to testimonies from the neighbors, the chapel is being used for activities with the minors until late into the night.
Thus, the Archdiocese of Caracas conveys “its most firm protest for the use of a sacred place consecrated to religious worship” and expresses its shock and concern “for the evident use of minors in carrying out this despicable function.”
The Bishops ask that the authorities of Sucre (in the state of Miranda), of the central government, and of the Armed Forces Reserves “immediately restore the Chapel to the legitimate authority, which is the Archdiocese of Caracas.” They also call for “the respect of children’s rights, according to national laws and international guidelines.” The text concludes by recalling that “the measures we indicate to be taken will bring about peace and harmony in the community affected by these events that we denounce.” (RG) (Agenzia Fides 19/9/2008)