Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Guatemala City (Agenzia Fides) – After holding their Assembly January 25 to 29 2010, the Bishops of Guatemala released a final document entitled: "Let us Live Charity in Truth," a copy of which was sent to Agenzia Fides. During the meeting, the Bishops assessed the past two years and elected to the Permanent Council of the Guatemalan Bishops' Conference (CEG). The Chairman is Bishop Pablo Vizcaíno, the Vice-President is Bishop Rodolfo Valenzuela, and Bishop Bernabe Sagastume was elected as Secretary.
The document begins by thanking all those who have worked in such a laborious yet humble manner, in pastoral ministry: priests, religious, and lay people, especially the catechists. They then present the situation in the country. The bishops note that "the number of murders has not fallen. Bus drivers, women, whole families have been murdered, in some cases in brutal and extremely cruel circumstances." The Bishops continue: "Although the law on arms and ammunition has been issued, an effective disarmament has not been put in place and in many parts of the country's armed men exercise control over the population, according to their will and whim."
The document also notes that the health situation remains very precarious and there are large areas of rural poverty. The Bishops ask everyone to apply the Gospel to stop the violence, and mention: "Poverty in Guatemala is the result of a system in which the state protects the interests of the few at the expense of the majority. This system generates inequality and exclusion. The original plan of God was harmony among the Creator, humanity, and creation."
Having reiterated that "as a Church, we have the responsibility and duty to propose principles that protect the lives of the men and women of Guatemala," the Bishops indicate in this respect 6 important points: take rapid steps for new laws, develop an integral model to promote the common good, keep in mind that government finance is for the common good, consider other measures in mining, approve the Rural Development Act, and that all Guatemalans have their future rooted in freedom, justice, truth, and solidarity, towards a sustainable peace.
The document, which concludes by invoking the blessing of the "Santo Cristo Negro," is dated January 29 and signed by the President, Bishop Pablo Vizcaíno Prado and the Secretary, Bishop Bernabe Sagastume. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 01/02/2010)
