AMERICA/MEXICO - Signs of peace, justice and promotion of dignity in the ecclesial communities of Michoachan

Wednesday, 7 September 2016 local churches   violence   poverty  

CEM

Morelia (Agenzia Fides) - Faced with the sad realization that "the Michoachan reality continues to provide alarming data", the Bishops of the Ecclesiastical Province of Morelia urge "all Catholics and people of good will to join in the promotion of laws and popular initiatives that lead to resolving this situation", call on all "to promote reconciliation and dialogue as the surest path to achieve peace", invite "to pray insistently Jesus Christ "so that he grants us the gift of peace and helps us to be promoters of peace in truth and justice.
In their message, sent to Agenzia Fides, the daily reality is stressed: extortion by telephone and intimidation on social networks; murders in broad daylight and in public places; blocking of roads to protest; car theft; disappearance of persons; lack of work that encourages young people to delinquency; bribes imposed by criminal groups; many families forced, under threat, to abandon their fields and their homes .... "Citizens have no confidence in the authorities the minute they report a crime or solicit protection", write the Bishops, who recall the previous pronouncements about the Mexican Episcopal Conference and of the same Pope Francis in his recent visit last February.
Despite everything, it highlights reasons for hope.
In particular they cite the emergence of civil organizations, they propose solutions to the authorities; some experiences of community organizations for the self-defense of communities, which have decreased crime; the attention to victims of violence in pastoral structures have been enhanced; in dioceses peace building courses for pastoral workers are being promoted who can then, in turn, be communicators in their communities. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 07/09/2016)


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