AMERICA/COLOMBIA - “It is time to put aside fear, indifference, selfishness which render us insensitive to the suffering of others ”: Colombian Bishops appeal against violence and hostage taking

Thursday, 5 July 2007

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Bogota (Agenzia Fides) - The Catholic Bishops of Colombia have condemned the killing of 11 members of parliament taken hostage by the FARC-EP five years ago. In the statement issued during their plenary assembly and signed by the president of the Bishops' Conference Archbishop Luis Augusto Castro Quiroga of Tunja the Bishops say "hostage taking is one of the worst forms of violence…it harms not only at the hostage but also the family, the town and the whole country". Horrified by such an act of scorn for life, the Bishops reaffirm "the sacred character of human life a gift of God" and "the dignity and inalienable rights of every human person, including freedom in its various forms".
The Bishops of Colombia demand "unconditioned release of all hostages " and call on the national government to stipulate a "humanitarian agreement to allow all hostages to return home safe and sound to their loved ones". They also confirm their commitment "to work with the communities to to find paths of authentic forgiveness, reparation, reconciliation and truth."
"We urgently appeal to all Colombians - the statement continues - to denounce and reject all crimes and injustices which are gradually disintegrating Colombian society. It is time to put aside fear, indifference, selfishness which render us insensitive to the suffering of others and conformist proper to victims without hope".
The Bishops call on all Catholics and all men and women of good will "to openly voice solidarity and to cry out their rejection of forms of violence from whatever side it comes". The president of the Bishops' Conference announced initiatives in various towns and cities for today 5 July, urging everyone to take part so that "our nation may continue to grow in sensitivity, in support for life, for freedom so that we can continue to believe that this terrible situation will be overcome positively". A special Mass for this intention will be concelebrated by all the Bishops at 12 noon in Bogota Cathedral. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 5/7/2007; righe 26, parole 379)