Ahead of national elections, Colombian bishops call for strengthening democracy – Crux Now
[Editors Note: This is the eleventh in a series of articles by Ins San Martn exploring the state of the Catholic Church in Pope Francis home continent of Latin America. The tenth can be found here.]
ROSARIO, Argentina This week, the more than 90 prelates pf the Bishops Conference of Colombia held their first meeting of 2022, and discussed the upcoming presidential elections.
Colombians are living a crucial moment in the history of our nation, says the statement. The serious social problems that persist such as inequality, corruption, the devastating action of drug trafficking, poverty and violence call for the strengthening of our democratic system and a common commitment to the integral development of the entire population.
During the four days of work, the prelates listened to the witness of several of their peers who have confirmed to us the dramatic situations that are being experienced in their regions.
One of them was Bishop Rubn Daro Jaramillo of the port city of Buenaventura, who has received several death threats in recent months for denouncing the increased activity of armed groups in the country.
Various illegal actors (ELN guerrillas, FARC dissidents, clan of the Gulf and others) want to take over the territories, forcing internal migration of populations, Bishop Luis Manuel Al, secretary general of the conference and auxiliary bishop of Bogot, told Crux on Thursday. These groups finance themselves through drug trafficking, micro-trafficking and illegal mining, all of these realities that are increasing.
He said the country is currently the scenario of very complex situations of public order, in many regions including Arauca and Tibu, on the border with Venezuela, where criminal gangs of both countries fight over territories where they want to plant illegal crops.
For this reason, we saw a priority to invite all citizens to commit ourselves to the exercise of democracy; and politicians to exercise leadership motivated by the common good and service to the new generations and the poor, said the prelate, who is also a member of the Vaticans Commission for the Protection of Minors.
Bishop Juan Carlos Cardenas of Pasto, a diocese in western Colombia that has many rural territories also coveted by the armed groups, told Crux that the bishops have repeatedly called for the structural problems that perpetuate the evils that systematically afflict the nation to be addressed.
He also sees a need for political leaders to focus on long-term programs rather than on personal confrontations; to dissociate themselves from the cancer of corruption and to think first and foremost about the best interests of the nation and the common good of all Colombians.
As a counterpart, citizens are called to be responsible while exercising their democratic rights, Cardenas said.
Among the topics being put forth by some presidential candidates are abortion and euthanasia, both permitted in Colombia, but with strong restrictions.
St. Paul reminds us that we must preach in season and out of season, with or without opportunity, Cardenas said when asked about these life issues. Beyond such punctual discussions, there is something more fundamental: The relativization of the value of life.
As pastors we cannot remain silent when this fundamental value is called into question: to defend and care for human life in all its stages and situations, he said. Life from the moment it is conceived, and as it is ending. But we are also called to speak up in defense of the right to life of peasants, of ethnic communities, and the life of a citizen that is taken away during a robbery because of a cell phone or a bicycle.
I believe that we must be unconditional missionaries of the gospel of life, Cardenas said.
The bishops assembly also discussed how the national consultation for the Synod of bishops on synodality will be carried out. The theme for the Feb. 14-18 summit was The journey together of the Church in Colombia, and the meeting was lived in a spirit of synodality, listening to one and other, and discerning what the Spirit is saying to our Church, Ali said.
In addition, several Colombian Catholics took part in Novembers Ecclesial Assembly of Latin America, held in Mexico, and their experiences and conclusions were also shared, particularly those of the laity.
One of our priorities for the next triennium is to insist on the effective leadership of the laity in the particular churches, Ali said. For us, the ministry of the catechist is fundamental in so many areas where we do not have ordained ministers. And of course, the vast majority of our catechists are women.
Cardenas agreed on synodality being the spirit of this assembly, arguing that the local bishops have allowed ourselves to be permeated by the popes call to listen.
Beyond responding to the popes call on this road to the universal synod, it is a good exercise for us to renew our episcopal fraternity and collegiality, he said. In this spirit, we would be better set to lead from the experience and the testimony of a Church in Colombia animated by the spirit of the synod.
Follow Ins San Martn on Twitter:@inesanma
Excerpt from:
Ahead of national elections, Colombian bishops call for strengthening democracy - Crux Now
- Protests are the last thing keeping Turkeys democracy alive - The Economist - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- Ive never seen such clampdowns in Istanbul. Turkeys democracy is fighting for its life | Orhan Pamuk - The Guardian - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- Democracy is more than rules and institutions, its a way of life - The Conversation - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- Voters Need to Know What Redboxing Is and How It Undermines Democracy - Campaign Legal Center - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- Trumps Latest Executive Order is a Shamand a Warning - Democracy Docket - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- How the Fight for American Democracy Can Start with Unions - Progressive.org - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- US swing toward autocracy doesnt have to be permanent but swinging back to democracy requires vigilance, stamina and elections - The Conversation - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- Donald Trumps chilling effect on free speech and dissent is threatening US democracy - The Conversation - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- The Price of Peace: Money, Democracy, and the Life of John Maynard Keynes - Paul Krugman and Zachary D. Carter in Conversation - CUNY Graduate Center - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- Hip-Hop Star Macklemore on New Film The Encampments & Why He Speaks Out Against Israels War on Gaza - Democracy Now! - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- Why Elon Musk, GOP Are Trying to Buy the Wisconsin Supreme Court Election - Democracy Docket - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- Free Inquiry & Expression and the Future of Democracy Series Continues March 27 - Stetson University - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- Arkansas AG rejects proposed ballot measure to amend states direct democracy process - Arkansas Advocate - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- Our Voice: Threats to Democracy, From Oopsie Too late, to Ignoring Classified Communications - The Ark Valley Voice - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- For the sake of US democracy, its time for Chuck Schumer to step down | Leah Greenberg and Ezra Levin - The Guardian - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- To Build a Better Democracy, Start by Rethinking Your Relationship to the Internet - Tech Policy Press - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- Duluth Residents Share Concerns at a Town Hall Hosted by Practicing Democracy - FOX 21 Online - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- GOP Slammed Bidens Voting Order as Federal Overreach But Praised Trumps - Democracy Docket - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- Democracy in Action group to host Hixson town hall for lawmakers Blackburn, Fleischmann and Hagerty - Chattanooga Times Free Press - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- Pro-Beijing Chinese Influencers Kicked Out in Test for Small Democracy - Newsweek - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- Comments - This Week in Democracy Week 10: Trump Brags About Institutions 'Bending' to His Will - Zeteo - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- The frog of democracy is nearly boiled. We can still jump out of the pot - The Philadelphia Inquirer - March 25th, 2025 [March 25th, 2025]
- Fear and anger as 'battle for the soul of Romanian democracy' looms - BBC.com - March 25th, 2025 [March 25th, 2025]
- Erdogans crackdown: Turkey and the fight for democracy - European Council on Foreign Relations - March 25th, 2025 [March 25th, 2025]
- ICYMI: Democracy Forward Challenges Trumps Executive Overreach and Attacks on Legal System - Democracy Forward - March 25th, 2025 [March 25th, 2025]
- Mourning Democracy, Professors Lambast Columbia Administrators for Submitting to Trump - The Chronicle of Higher Education - March 25th, 2025 [March 25th, 2025]
- SCOTUS Hears Latest Conservative Assault on the Voting Rights Act - Democracy Docket - March 25th, 2025 [March 25th, 2025]
- Civics Education Is About More Than Elections Its the Foundation of Democracy - The 74 - March 25th, 2025 [March 25th, 2025]
- Avoiding your neighbor because of how they voted? Democracy needs you to talk to them instead - The Conversation Indonesia - March 25th, 2025 [March 25th, 2025]
- Chicago priests warn about growing Trump threats to immigrants and democracy - People's World - March 25th, 2025 [March 25th, 2025]
- Trump is abandoning democracy and freedom. That creates an opening for Europe and Britain | Jonathan Freedland - The Guardian - March 25th, 2025 [March 25th, 2025]
- Poll: 63% of public fears for Israeli democracy as government votes to fire Shin Bet head - The Times of Israel - March 25th, 2025 [March 25th, 2025]
- In a true democracy Netanyahu has the right to remove the head of the Shin Bet - Ynetnews - March 25th, 2025 [March 25th, 2025]
- Purple reign: NCs history of split-ticket voting is democracy working - Carolinacoastonline - March 25th, 2025 [March 25th, 2025]
- Do You Want to Fight Back Against Elon Musks Attack on our Democracy? - Shepherd Express - March 25th, 2025 [March 25th, 2025]
- 'This game is not over ... our democracy is worth fighting for' is Rep. Summer Lee's rallying cry at Hill District town hall - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - March 25th, 2025 [March 25th, 2025]
- When Did We Decide That Democracy and Improving Peoples Lives Contradicted Each Other? - Esquire - March 20th, 2025 [March 20th, 2025]
- An Unprecedented, Breathtaking Assault on American Democracy: LWV Responds to Trump Administrations First 60 Days - League of Women Voters - March 20th, 2025 [March 20th, 2025]
- Opinion | Dont count on the courts to save democracy - The Washington Post - March 20th, 2025 [March 20th, 2025]
- Video. We need to improve democracy, Lech Wasa says - Euronews - March 20th, 2025 [March 20th, 2025]
- DOGEs USAID Takeover Likely Violated the Constitution, Judge Says - Democracy Docket - March 20th, 2025 [March 20th, 2025]
- Commentary: California sheriffs are becoming MAGA allies and threatening democracy - Stocktonia News - March 20th, 2025 [March 20th, 2025]
- The End of US Democracy and the Implications for International Relations - E-International Relations - March 20th, 2025 [March 20th, 2025]
- Why Indonesias new military law is alarming pro-democracy activists and rights groups - The Associated Press - March 20th, 2025 [March 20th, 2025]
- Breaking Social Security: Trump & Musk Move Ahead with Plan to Cut Agency Staff & Services - Democracy Now! - March 20th, 2025 [March 20th, 2025]
- Chris Murphy: 'If We Continue to Engage in Business as Usual, This Democracy Could Be Gone' - Rolling Stone - March 20th, 2025 [March 20th, 2025]
- House Of Lords Thrown Into 'Chaos' As Democracy Protesters Bring Debate To A Halt - Yahoo News UK - March 20th, 2025 [March 20th, 2025]
- Unchaining Venezuela: a struggle for democracy - The London School of Economics and Political Science - March 20th, 2025 [March 20th, 2025]
- Murkowski says Trump is testing the institutions of democracy - KTOO - March 20th, 2025 [March 20th, 2025]
- Democrats grapple with Trump, democracy and an argument that didnt work - The Hill - March 3rd, 2025 [March 3rd, 2025]
- Trumps Cuts to Democracy Promotion Like the NED Already Hit Asian Organizations Hard - Council on Foreign Relations - March 3rd, 2025 [March 3rd, 2025]
- A Slim Majority of Voters Think U.S. Democracy Is Currently Working Well - Data For Progress - March 3rd, 2025 [March 3rd, 2025]
- Ken Roth on Israels Starvation Strategy in Gaza & Righting Wrongs of Abusive Governments - Democracy Now! - March 3rd, 2025 [March 3rd, 2025]
- African Democracy Is in Retreat. That's a Problem for America | Opinion - Newsweek - March 3rd, 2025 [March 3rd, 2025]
- Political science department hosts discussion on the state of U.S. democracy - The Collegian University of Richmond - March 3rd, 2025 [March 3rd, 2025]
- LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Join Light For Our Democracy - Marblehead Current - March 3rd, 2025 [March 3rd, 2025]
- Polish democracy hero Wasa says Trumps treatment of Zelenskyy filled him with horror - The Associated Press - March 3rd, 2025 [March 3rd, 2025]
- Trumps War Against Democracy and the Rules-Based World Order - The Globalist - March 3rd, 2025 [March 3rd, 2025]
- Authoritarianism expert weighs in on Trump, Musk and the fate of U.S. democracy | Here & Now - WBUR News - March 3rd, 2025 [March 3rd, 2025]
- Letter: Do we have any way to save our besieged democracy? - Yakima Herald-Republic - March 3rd, 2025 [March 3rd, 2025]
- The Freak Show: Our Democracy Is Being Dismantled Right Before Our Eyes - Aquarian Weekly - March 3rd, 2025 [March 3rd, 2025]
- Mayor Johnson heads to Washington to be grilled on immigration. GOP should focus on democracy instead. - Chicago Sun-Times - March 3rd, 2025 [March 3rd, 2025]
- Democracy that works - Anhui News - March 3rd, 2025 [March 3rd, 2025]
- Trumps moves test the limits of presidential power and the resilience of US democracy - The Associated Press - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- Passing SAVE Act Would Be Taking a Chainsaw to Democracy - Democracy Docket - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- Just 6% of the worlds population live in a full democracy, new report claims - The Independent - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- Bezos, Billionaires and Bibi: Democracy and the Free Press Are Shrinking - Haaretz - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- California to launch first-in-the-nation digital democracy effort to improve public engagement - Office of Governor Gavin Newsom - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- Defending American arts, culture, and democracy - Brookings Institution - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- European Reactions to the U.S. Retreat From Democracy - Carnegie Endowment for International Peace - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- Urge Your Members of Congress to Stand Up for Democracy - League of Women Voters - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- A Protest, a Phone Call, and the Power of Democracy - LGBTQ Victory Institute - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- This Week in Democracy - Week 6: Chaos in the Oval, Attacks on the Press, and What Did you Accomplish Last Week - Zeteo - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- Defining Oligarchy: The Fusion of Wealth and Power in American Democracy - Baylor University - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- Opinion | The Worst Existential Threat to American Democracy Is Already Here: Voter Suppression - Common Dreams - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- Democracy in the crosshairs - IPS Journal - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- Separation of powers and democracy under threat in US - MSR News Online - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- Extended Interview: Mark Graham on Internet Archives Work Preserving the Web as Govt Sites Go Dark - Democracy Now! - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- Wayback Machine Saves Thousands of Federal Webpages Amid Purge of Government Data Under Trump - Democracy Now! - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- Human Rights and Democracy in the Quantum Age - Just Security - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]