Christians should be the first to defend life and justice, says Venezuelan cardinal

Caracas, Venezuela, Mar 17, 2010 / 14:17 pm

The Archbishop of Caracas, Cardinal Jorge Urosa Savino, called on Venezuelans this week to reject violence in all forms, and he reminded Christians of their duty to be the first to defend life and promote justice.

The cardinal, who is recovering from surgery, sent a letter to the faithful noting that the upcoming Holy Week should inspire them to “reject all violence against anyone.”

“Our solidarity with the Divine Nazarene, burdened with sorrow, unjustly and vilely killed, should lead us to reject the violence and injustice that is made manifest in so many crimes: in murder, in the abominable crime of abortion, in kidnappings, in aggression against adversaries, in the violation of human rights, in violence against women and children, in the injustice that often occurs in the legal system, in conflicts and in political intolerance,” he said.

Cardinal Urosa reminded the faithful that “Christians must be on the front lines in the practice of justice and the defense of the weak.  And this obligation falls particularly on those who because of their formation or profession, or because of their positions of leadership, have the obligation to be courageous and firm promoters of justice and peace.”

“Let us affirm the value of each human person and let us reject that terrible violence that fills the streets of our beloved Caracas with blood,” he said.