Church in Venezuela calms opposition: aggressions will not divide us

Caracas, Venezuela, Oct 30, 2003 / 22:00 pm

In a meeting with opposition leaders responsible for organizing a rally in protest against attacks on the Church by the government, the Apostolic Nuncio of Venezuela, Archbishop André Dupuy, and the Secretary General of the Bishops Conference of Venezuela, Archbishop José Luis Azuaje, said nothing will fracture the unity between the opposition movement and the Church.

Waving flags and holding signs, protesters marched with opposition leaders through the streets of the capital to the Apostolic Nunciature to express their support for the Nuncio in the face of “continuous verbal assaults against Church leaders by government officials.” They gathered together outside the Nunciature, which was protected by a squadron of police officers.

Opposition leaders then met with Church leaders and gave a written letter of support to Archbishop Dupuy, recognizing his efforts at promoting the activities of the Church in Venezuela.

Sources said Church leaders urged them to continue working in communion, solidarity and unity. “Communion with God, solidarity with those in difficult situations, and unity among Catholics,” the Bishops said. They also stated the Bishops know “that the only thing happening here is an attempt to divide the clergy to continue discrediting the Church for her role in seeking a solution to the crisis.”