AMERICA/COLOMBIA - The Bishops: illustrate the agreements, build a Colombia reconciled and at peace

Friday, 26 August 2016 episcopal conferences   peace  

Bogotà (Agenzia Fides) - "We welcome with hope the opportunities that should lead to putting an end to the armed conflict that has marked the history of the country for more than fifty years": is what the Bishops of Colombia expressed in the statement signed by the President of the Episcopal Conference, His Exc. Mgr. Luis Castro Quiroga, Archbishop of Tunja, on the occasion of the conclusion of the peace talks held in Cuba.
In the message, sent to Fides, the Bishops stress the need to illustrate the content of the peace agreements, so that everyone is prepared for the referendum on 2 October. Political leaders, community organizations, media makers and the Colombian people in general, are invited to promote "a serene reflection, in a climate of dialogue and respect, animated at all times by the commitment to peace-building, always thinking of the good of the country, beyond sectoral or special interests".
Renewing the call already at the end of their 101 General Assembly, to participate in the referendum expressing a "responsible, informed and conscience" vote, the Bishops call on all Catholics (dioceses, parishes, religious congregations, seminaries, groups and small ecclesial communities) to "intensify prayers for peace in our Country and to discern, in the light of God's Word, the path that leads us to be peacemakers". Finally they invite "all brothers and sisters of good will" to overcome "all forms of violence and to work together in building a Colombia reconciled and at peace". (SL) (Agenzia Fides 26/08/2016)


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