AMERICA/MEXICO - "As brothers we must respect each other": the diocese of San Cristóbal condemns the latest violence

Monday, 30 May 2016 violence   bishops   politics  

Chenalhó (Agenzia Fides) - "We regret there was no dialogue but violence and kidnapping. We regret they did not comply with the seat of the Diocesan Curia, as a place for the search for peace and justice", said the statement of the diocese of San Cristobal de Las Casas published after the latest events, sent to Fides.
On May 25, a meeting was held between the Mayor of Chenalhó (in the department of Chiapas) who did not want to resign just because he had been asked by the opposition and representatives of the opposition itself, because of bankruptcy management. The religious authority of the Catholic Church acted as mediators.
During the meeting, of which few knew about, a dozen people stormed the Curia with sticks and stones, and threatening those present, kidnapped the two parliamentarians invited as witnesses. At the request of the kidnappers, the mayor resigned to make way for the representative of the opposition. So the hostages were freed. On the evening of the same day, May 25, and the following day, there were clashes between supporters of the mayor and members of the opposition, resulting in 2 deaths and numerous injuries.
The statement of the diocese, released over the weekend, is signed by His Exc. Mgr. Felipe Arizmendi Esquivel; the coadjutor His Exc. Mgr. Enrique Díaz Díaz, and by friar Gonzalo Ituarte Verdusco, Vicar of Justice and Peace. The text reminds citizens of Chenalhó that this unnecessary rivalry has to end because "we have to respect each other as brothers, do no damage to anyone because they think differently from us, and look for the common good". The central government is sending a large contingent of security forces to deal with the situation. (CE) (Agenzia Fides, 30/05/2016)


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