AMERICA/COLOMBIA - Appeal of the Bishops: "Recreating the will to be a nation and to build unity in the midst of diversity"

Bogota (Agenzia Fides) - "An unavoidable step is to recreate the will to be a nation and to build unity in the midst of diversity through a creative effort", the Colombian Bishops reiterate, highlighting the need for "a common project, which includes all, especially the least protected, in a culture of encounter and social friendship". "This call for the unity of the nation will not flourish without a serious and permanent commitment to peace and respect for life. Enough with war! Let us walk together to eradicate all expressions of hatred and violence, which not only materially impoverish us, but they dehumanize and annihilate us spiritually. We need a new opening to dialogue which must be productive, as an instrument of construction and consolidation in favor of an inclusive and participatory democracy".
On the eve of the conclusion of their 113th Plenary Assembly (see Fides, 4/7/2022), the Bishops of Colombia presented the final message to journalists. Monsignor Juan Carlos Cárdenas Toro, Bishop of Pasto and President of the Episcopal Commission for Communications, read the official message, which was followed by questions from journalists who touched on various topics, such as the Peace Dialogues, abortion, the care of the common home, education, poverty, among others.
In the message, sent to Fides, the Bishops thank all the ecclesial communities and individuals, members of civil society, who have made their contribution to the synodal journey: "Their voices encourage us not to give up our prophetic work and to confront each other in order to be a missionary and supportive Church, which proclaims the Gospel of the salvation of Christ Jesus, building us up in love and authentic fraternity". 7 points are therefore highlighted.
In the first point, the Bishops indicate the "cry of our people", especially in those regions affected by violence, the proliferation of armed groups on the margins of the law, illegality, drug trafficking and social inequalities. These people "yearn for solutions to their most serious problems and are calling for substantial reforms that close the way to all forms of corruption".
Among the great challenges facing the country is the education of children, youth and adolescents, who "are increasingly disenchanted by the lack of opportunities". For this reason, it is urgent to stimulate and promote the participation of young people in all processes, listening to their voice and encouraging them in life projects.
The Bishops then warn about the "historical responsibility for the protection of the Colombian Amazon" which has been or is about to be destroyed "with projects that tear our Common Home" and mortgage the present and future of the nation and the planet.
Finally, they encourage all Colombians "to continue their efforts in working for the common good, recalling that, to achieve it, Pope Francis has invited us to be 'peacemakers'." This implies a serene and critical look at our history, with its still open wounds and its scars, "so that the steps we take towards reconciliation are based on truth, which is the soul of justice and leads us to freedom".
At the conclusion of the message, the Bishops reaffirm their desire to serve the nation by announcing the Gospel of Jesus Christ: "we continue in our commitment to work for peace and reconciliation in our communities and regions". (SL) (Agenzia Fides, 9/7/2022)

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