AMERICA/COLOMBIA - “Only from peace and with peace is it possible to have respect for human dignity and rights” Catholics Bishops say in Christmas Message

Saturday, 16 December 2006

Bogota (Agenzia Fides) - In a message for Christmas the Catholic Bishops of Colombia make a strong appeal to the people to reject all forms of violence. “Celebrations for the joyful feast of Christmas - the Bishops write at the beginning of the Message - help us realise that peace is a gift which God gives to men and women of good will and that peace is possible but it must be built day by day with God’s help, by means of works of justice and love". The Bishops recall that in the last century Colombia experienced all sorts of serious violence, civil wars, armed conflict, genocide, planned assassinations, kidnapping, “the cause of unspeakable suffering”. The Bishops recall the root problems “injustice, corruption, hatred, greed for power, riches, materialism and loss of values”. However the Bishops say this suffering is also an important lesson: “Violence is harmful and does not solve the root problems. Our people gain nothing, they only lose”.
The Bishops warn: “only with peace is it possible to guarantee respect for human dignity and rights”. This peace is found only in Jesus Christ "firstborn and model of new humanity, of brotherly love, sincerity and a spirit of peace, to which we all aspire". The Bishop conclude urging the nation to seek this peace. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 16/12/2006; righe 18, parole 267)


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