AMERICA/COLOMBIA - At the close of their Plenary Assembly, Bishops reaffirm their commitment to fight for peace, against poverty, injustice, and violence

Bogotá (Agenzia Fides) - “As Bishops, following this Assembly, we feel prepared to begin work plans, programs and activities that truly allow us to be light to the world and credible testimonies in the work of forming country in which we all feel safe and protected.” These are the words found in the final statement issued by the Bishops at the close of their Plenary Assembly celebrated on February 9-13 (see Fides 10/2/2009). During the Assembly, the Bishops analyzed the situation in Colombia, in order to determine the challenges in store for the Church today, as well as offer guidelines and criteria for an authentic pastoral response.
The Bishops elaborate an extensive document on the fruits of their reflections for “all pastoral workers, leaders from the political, cultural, and economic worlds, and all Colombians interested in what we think and have to suggest in response to the present challenges.”
The Bishops of Colombia look with concern, but with hope, upon the nation. Among the shadows that darken the horizon, the Bishops show their worry for the “moral permissiveness, iniquity and social injustice, unemployment and poverty, the social conflicts, the violations of human rights, armed conflict, kidnapping and the suffering it causes to victims and their families, drug trafficking, corruption and illegal profit, the world financial crisis, the lack of education and participation of Catholics in building a more democratic and prosperous country.”
Along with these problems, the Bishops also showed signs of hope, such as “the mobilization of citizens to stop kidnapping and violence, the younger generations taking on important roles in society, the active role of the woman in the Church and society, the victory over political hate that began the long and painful 'via crucis' of violence in Colombia.”
They then reaffirm once more their mission to consecrate themselves and make every effort to “seek peace, fighting poverty, injustice, and the violence that robs us of our loved ones.” They show their commitment to be close to those who are living far from their homes, the families of those who are kidnapped, the victims of violence, all the marginalized, to whom we send out a message of solidarity and offer our vocation of service.”
“Aware of the difficult moments being faced by Colombia, and feeling the effects of conflict and contradiction, we make a decided option for hope, with the certainty that the Lord Jesus, who walks alongside us, will help us to join hands in building a more friendly, just, fraternal, and unified country,” the Bishops concluded. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 16/2/2009)