AMERICA/COLOMBIA – Faced with the escalation of violence in Apartadó: prayers for peace and reconciliation, symbolic acts of rejection

AMERICA/COLOMBIA – Faced with the escalation of violence in Apartadó: prayers for peace and reconciliation, symbolic acts of rejection

Apartadó (Agenzia Fides) – “No reason justifies violence and its consequences on peoples, institutions and families”: is reiterated in the “communiqué to public opinion and men of good will” of the Diocese of Apartadó, in the northwest of Antioquia, in union with the other Christian Churches and the living forces of the civil society of Urabá Darién: the organizations of merchants, businessmen, unions and carriers, among others. In the declaration signed by Monsignor Hugo Alberto Torres Marín, Bishop of the diocese of Apartadó, “the murder of defenseless young people who spent days of rest with their families, attacks on police stations, the consequent closure of schools and public services are rejected”. The act of degrading conflict is also condemned. It has a negative impact upon social, spiritual and economic life.
The Bishop extends his sympathy to the families of the policemen and soldiers who were killed, as well to the institutions they belonged to and the general population. He also assures that he is praying for the entire community so that the Lord may give them strength in this time of sorrow and “do we not lose hope”.
“We urge the groups and people who are causing this immense pain to the region and the country – writes Monsignor Torres Marín – to humanize the conflict by stopping this action and using other alternatives that respect life and take care of the social fabric, allowing them to achieve their goals”.
The Bishop requests that before the new president takes office prayers for peace, reconciliation, and rejection of armed violence be offered in all the churches in the region. It is also suggested that a symbolic act to show solidarity with the families that have lost their children and “a representation of the Colombia that will be built together”. According to the authorities, terrorist attacks against the State in Antioquia took place in Apartadó, Ituango, Ebéjico, Necoclí, Peque, Uramita, Chigorodó, Turbo, Carepa, Santa Fe de Antioquia and Cañasgordas. These acts resulted in 27 soldiers being killed and more than 40 others being injured by gunfire or the detonation explosive devices. (SL) (Agenzia Fides, 2/8/2022)

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