AMERICA/GUATEMALA - Bishops' Statement on the present situation in the country: “We do not place our hope in armed violence, but in our God-given strength that urges us to fulfill our duties, to solidarity and brotherhood.”

Guatemala City (Agenzia Fides) - “Those of us who believe in Christ and place our hope in Him cannot remain indifferent or fearful in light of the events that are afflicting our nation. Instead, we should show our will to change the course of our history with faith, courage, unity, and brotherhood. We do not place our hope in armed violence, but in our God-given strength that urges us to fulfill our duties, to solidarity and brotherhood.” This is what the Bishops of Guatemala affirm in a statement, in which they show their concern for “the present situation of the country, marked by a climate of tension, confrontation, and polarization, a result of the social, cultural, ethnic, and economic inequality, a lack of ethics, and the predominance of personal interests and selfishness in many.”
The Bishops also show their concern for the increase in the number of attacks and violent deaths, “evidence that there has been a loss of the sense of life's sacredness,” which the Prelates say “is being trampled on and used for unspeakable and criminal purposes.”
They also denounced “the situation of impunity, in an effort to hide continuous criminal acts of all kinds, often evident in the weakness of the justice system in our country.”
Thus, they ask that the organizations and competent groups in the government to make an effort “to perform unbiased and honest investigations on crimes, leading to due process for those responsible for them.” They also ask that the basic needs of the population be met (health, housing, work, education, and attention to the agricultural and environmental problems), so as to “uproot the evils that afflict the nation.”
They also ask citizens “to face the current situation with levelheadedness, a sense of the common good, and without violence.”
“The assiduous and continual prayer for our country is an important way for us to contribute as believers to the future and welfare of our nation. Human effort should be sustained by divine grace, which we are offered in a sincere and trusting prayer. The strength of the Holy Spirit that the Lord has given His Church, is the foundation for our hope. And in our effort to rebuild Guatemala, we count on Mary's maternal protection,” the Bishops concluded. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 8/6/2009)