Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Tumaco (Agenzia Fides) – The Colombian Bishops' Conference has expressed its concern, denouncing the threats and intimidation used against pastoral ministers in the Diocese of Tumaco, as has been denounced as well by the Diocese itself, in a statement issued by its Bishop Gustavo Giron Higuita.
In the statement, the Bishop makes an appeal on both a national and international level, because of the new threats being directed towards members of various social aid organizations, defenders of human rights, etc., including the Diocesan Social Ministry.
“In recent years,” the Bishop explained, “out pastoral activity has been more and more affected by the reality of the armed conflict that we had been free from for various decades in this country. We are convinced that this conflict has its roots in the social conflict that centuries ago marked Colombian history and that the solution cannot be found in armed conflict, but rather in dialogue and profound economic and political reform.” Thus, in these circumstances, the Diocese is trying to remain faithful to the Gospel, opposing conflict and trying to find a means to dialogue, in favor of life and the autonomy of communities. “Our work is simply geared towards the welfare of the communities that are affected by this situation of armed conflict that our region is passing through, and that our country lived several years ago,” the text says.
The diocese is thus making an urgent call, asking that “with a coordinated effort of the various local, national, and international governors, measures may be taken in avoiding all possible acts of violence that could be carried out against the people and organizations who work to defend life...” The message concludes by recalling the fact that it is “of vital importance that immediate solutions be found, for the good of the population in general living in this abandoned part of the country.” (RG) (Agenzia Fides 20/11/2008)
