Bogota (Fides Service) - Fides Service has a statement signed by Cardinal Pedro Rubiano Saenz, Archbishop of Bogota and president of the Colombian Bishops' Conference, with regard to the abduction yesterday of Bishop Jorge Enrique Jiménez Carvajal of Zipaquirà President of the Council of Latin American Bishops' Conferences, and Father Orjuela.
"On November 11 near San Antonio de Aguilera (Pacho -Cundinmarca), Bishop Jorge Enrique Jiménez Carvajal of Zipaquirà President of CELAM, the Council of Latin American Bishops' Conferences, and Father Desiderio Orjuela Orjuela parish priest at Pacho were abducted.
The Bishops of Colombia condemn all kidnapping which is a violation of life, dignity and freedom of the human person. The Bishops warn the kidnappers that they risk serious canonical punishment which breaks communion with the Catholic Church. This act is an offence to the Church, to the Bishops of Colombia and to the Bishops of all Latin America.
We call on the kidnappers to reflect and to release the Bishop and the priest immediately.
We pray that God will protect the two men and move the hearts of those responsible to make them repent of their crime. Once again we say that peace is built with a journey of reconciliation and respect for life and freedom. Bogota 11 November 2002." (Fides Service 12/11/2002)