Bishops of Venezuela call for end to violence

Caracas, Venezuela, Jan 11, 2010 / 22:48 pm

The president of the Bishops’ Conference of Venezuela, Archbishop Ubaldo Santana, called for an end to the violence sweeping the nation and encouraged those living in the Americas to promote peace and unity.

“Venezuela has become a violent society,” the archbishop said in his opening remarks for the 93^rd Plenary Assembly of the Bishops’ Conference of Venezuela. “It is troubling to see the increase in the number of violent deaths in cities, rural areas and on our borders.”

He added that the majority of the victims are children and young people.

“Violence has overcome the country without distinction for political affiliation, social class or religion,” he continued.

Turning to life issues, Archbishop Santana lamented the fact that “the sacred value of human life and the very meaning of existence has been quickly lost. We are facing a grave emotional and spiritual problem and a serious lack of strong public policies,” he said.

The prelate then referred to the presence of FARC in the Venezuelan territory, as well as the increasing tensions existing between Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador. “The presence and activity of guerilla groups who move about freely on our borders is unacceptable,” he said.

“Faced with such a situation that threatens the peace and security of the these nations, the people of these three countries and of all of America should work to spread the Gospel and promote the value of human dignity as well as the sacred meaning of life,” Archbishop Santana stressed. “Everyone, without exception, should be deeply committed to promoting peace and unity,” he said.