"We know in whom we put our trust" (2. Tim. 1.12)
1. The Bishops of the Episcopal Conference of Guatemala, meeting in Extraordinary Plenary Assembly, we have analyzed the situation in which is now our beloved country. We have done from our pastors heart, eyes lit by the light of the Gospel and from the contact we have with the reality of communities.
We found several situations that concern us deeply,
a. Agatha storm, this storm and other natural phenomena have caused great destruction due to the extreme vulnerability of our country, the result of environmental neglect. Much of the roads and many bridges were destroyed. This became clear how many of these works were carried out without compliance with all requirements.
in different parts of maize and bean crops were lost, which seems to indicate that in the coming months there will be food shortages.
more unfortunate was, as reported by some media, that not all donated resources came at the hands of those facing the greatest need. Even at the present time there are communities that are still waiting for the help they need. It is true that there were numerous solidarity actions but we must also say that lacked a committed response from those who could have helped more.
b. The increase of violence: It hurts to see that violence has grown. In the first half of this year there were about two thousand murders, most of which have gone unpunished. There is a close relationship between common crime, poverty and organized crime. In marginal urban areas there are "gangs", groups of heavily armed young men, organized hierarchically and without any moral compass or love for the lives of their peers, willing to engage in savage violence. About five thousand estimated number these gang members organized into 300 bands. Supported by the corruption of some members of the PNC, commanders, officers and troops, agree and respect "free zones" in which they operate with impunity. It is also true that in many cases the police are honest and responsible very vulnerable because they are known criminals and threaten to kill his family if they oppose. A study
civilian intelligence there is a well-organized criminal structure which is difficult to distinguish between high-level officials, business leaders, heads of gangs and former military, to ensure a comfortable lifestyle have been involved in illegal activities .
In this situation of violence we hear many voices shouting that the application of the death penalty is the only solution. We are absolutely opposed to this approach from our faith in the gospel and knowledge of history. The gangs are the result, among other things, of deep family breakdown, poverty and misery, lack of love. These young people have to offer all necessary support so that they discover that the meaning of life is love and not violence.
also demand that the Guatemalan Government to implement the recommendations made long ago in the National Agreement for Security presented by the Assurance Group. C.
Weak Implementation of Justice: The lack of implementation of a true and fair justice contributes to increasing social breakdown and creating political instability. The absence of justice or the delay in implementation promote many seeking their own convenience or their very personal interests, acting with a total lack of principles and values, reaching intolerable levels of corruption. Undeniably, the usefulness and necessity of international assistance to promote capacity-building processes of justice.
So far, success stories like the murder of Salvadoran deputies, diversion millionaire in Congress, non-return of the millions stolen officials and judicial proceedings against him, not moving, show what we say. D.
the lack of truthfulness: the absence of truth is becoming more apparent. Dominates the art of lying at all levels of society. Triumphs that can lie more convincingly. Various media do not transmit their messages attached to the objective truth. A powerful symbol of the power of what constitutes a lie which is now offering a teaching on human sexuality by private companies and NGOs distort the true meaning of this treasure by which human life is transmitted. E.
A profound and progressive damage eliminating ecological and biodiversity in many areas of Guatemala:
We are witnessing the relentless deterioration of the environment. Lack a true ecological culture in Guatemala. There are bad habits, deeply ingrained, that litter and pollute and damage the environment. We express our communion and our support of Bishop Alvaro Ramazzini and his eminence, Cardinal Rodolfo Quezada, in their repeated interventions by noting the damage that occurs to continue with open pit mining and oil drilling in the protected area known as Laguna del Tigre. Now is to iron mining in the south coast. They, along with many sectors of civil society and affected communities have given warning of the damage that mining of metals may occur, including social conflict and harmful effects on health.
Despite these approaches, there is a media campaign, shrewdly driven, which makes it look as good and desirable that can not be justified in any way. The pretext is to show that the most important thing is to attract foreign investment does not matter if it destroys or respecting the natural wealth of our country. These non-renewable assets are there in our country, were given by God for everyone's benefit and not as marketable goods by State and companies without too many scruples.
f. A weak democracy with weak institutions also is a reality, proclaimed to all voices, that our democracy is weak. We know that there is no perfect political system, but this does not justify trying to maintain a system that marginalizes the majority of the population the right to a dignified life and favors the interests of minorities who have traditionally wielded economic power. Any system political and economic development must promote the common good and promote the development of the whole person., the image of God.
Unfortunately the political class in our country has lost credibility and people distrust it because the actions they take shows that are more interested in their political games of power that the good of the nation.
The executive branch ignores the demands of the indigenous and peasant sectors, pushing them to seek other means that are not conducive to good governance. The roundtables have been convened in dialogue useless because the Executive has been unable to meet its promises. Also
while spending millions of quetzals Social Cohesion programs, many health centers and hospitals do not have the resources to provide the required services. The legislature
engages and spend their energies on meeting their lust for power and selfishness, putting obstacles and walking very slowly in drafting legislation to ensure peace in Guatemala, viz. Rural Development Act, the Mining Act, the law on asset forfeiture, the adoption of the crime of illicit enrichment.
The judiciary, with the lawsuit filed against the President of the Supreme Court, which is accused of "misrepresentation" is a significant in consideration of who is holding the application of justice.
2. Testimony of Hope:
Amid this difficult and challenging scenario, we, the successors of the Apostles, we witness with the Apostle Paul: "We live always tight but not crushed, but not desperate hurry, persecuted but not abandoned, knocked down but not finished off (2 Cor. 4,8.12). We say this with all conviction that the Lord Jesus Christ lives and is present in our communities. Firmly proclaim that God's love is faithful and does not die.
We are confident that the idolatry of money that has corrupted our country, generating many evils and finished with so many human lives, is no stronger or more powerful than the love of God poured into our hearts. "
Therefore, we urge everyone, believers and nonbelievers, to make of our history, staff and community, with faith in the Word of God and the new life that has been placed in us, a story of salvation.
We strive to offer young people who are the majority in our country a better future.
Soon, the first Sunday of September, we celebrate the national day of prayer and support for migrant brothers. Increase the misfortune of deportation, migrants need our support and assistance. The urge to live in each diocese and vicar and the Prelature of Esquipulas this day of prayer. Let's be generous and help materially to the efforts of the Episcopal Conference of Guatemala does for them and them.
We end this statement calling for Mary in her title of Our Lady of the Rosary for her to intercede for the suffering people and is she who calms the pain and grief of those who suffer the loss of their loved ones as a result of the violence that the country experiences and encourage the efforts of all those who seek to build a country full of peace and prosperity.
ask that this statement be read in all parishes.
Guatemala, 26 August 2010.
Bishop Bishop Pablo Vizcaino Prado
Barnabas Sagastume President Secretary General Episcopal Conference of Guatemala
Episcopal Conference of Guatemala
