Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Guatemala City (Agenzia Fides) – "There are situations that concern us, like Hurricane Agatha, which has caused great damage in our country and the sad news that the aid did not reach those who suffered most. So, too, the increase in violence: violence has increased. In the first half of this year, there were about two thousand murders, most of which have gone unpunished.” This is what the Bishops of Guatemala write in a statement released by the Bishops' Conference at the end of the Second Extraordinary Plenary Assembly, which ended August 26.
In the text, a copy of which was sent to Fides, the bishops express some considerations about the reality of Guatemala, in the light of the Gospel, enriched by their direct contact with the realities of the communities, as affirmed in the statement. The text reads: "According to a study, there is a well organized structure of delinquency involving senior officials, businessmen, heads of gangs, and former soldiers who, in order to secure a comfortable lifestyle for themselves are involved in illegal activities ... Unfortunately, the lack of true justice contributes to increased social decomposition and this creates political instability. The absence of truth is more evident every day. The art of lying widely reigns in all areas of society," the bishops said.
The text goes on to say that there is "a profound and progressive ecological damage taking place in many parts of the country" and that is why the bishops express support for Bishop Alvaro Ramazzini and Cardinal Rodolfo Quezada, "for their frequent speeches warning about the damage produced in continuing open-cast mining and oil drilling in the protected area called Laguna del Tigre." The statement highlights the existence of "an astutely conducted media campaign that presents what is in no way justifiable as good and desirable. The pretext is to show that the most important thing is to attract more foreign investment, regardless of the fact that the natural wealth of our country is being destroyed."
The document ends with a glimmer of hope: "In the midst of this difficult and challenging scenario, we, the successors of the Apostles, want to declare with the Apostle Paul: 'We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; shattered, but without despair' (Cor 4:8). Therefore, we appeal to all, believers and nonbelievers, to make our personal and communal history, with faith in the Word of God, a story of salvation." (CE) (Agenzia Fides 28/08/2010)
