The element most stressed in the missions of many Catholic organizations that are involved in this conflict is to keep many countries involved in the ongoing peace efforts in Colombia. Monsignor Hector Fabio Henao is the Secretary General of Caritas, a religious organization in Colombia. He wants to ensure that “ensures that the Colombia peace process is kept high on the international agenda” (Caritas). Henao believes that “peace is possible” in Colombia, as evidenced by Caritas’s “Peace is Possible” campaign. This campaign attempts to instill in the minds of Colombians a sense of hope and the prospect of a positive future. In addition, the organization provides shelter and basic necessities to those displaced or victimized by the conflict and violence in Colombia.
Colombian bishops have reached out to other countries in order to aid them in their difficult tasks. Caritas is a part of the National Social Ministry Secretariat in Colombia, which is a direct partner with Catholic Relief Services of the United States. Working in Colombia for more than 50 years, the main goal of CRS in the present is to aid and strengthen the Secretariat. “The Colombian bishops have called for international support for a negotiated path toward peace, policies that address underlying social and economic problems, and humanitarian aid for the millions of victims of the conflict.” Catholic Relief Services seeks to assist these bishops by working with other Catholic groups in the US and abroad to raise awareness of Colombia’s situation and “encourage advocacy that responds to our Colombian Church partners' concerns.” It is imperative that Colombian Catholic organizations receive international aid, because it is a task too great and dangerous for the Colombians to handle on their own.
The Colombian Church has made enormous strides in the right direction by reaching out to help their situation, but they have a long way to go. However, the church is in a good position because they have gained the trust of both sides of the conflict, enabling them to facilitate negotiations between the two groups. Priests and other religious risk their lives by trying to protect children, young people at risk for recruitment into the conflict, and women and families left behind after their family members were killed. Other ministers help victims by providing health care and finances (Fallon). In order to make any progress in Colombia, many risks must be taken.
The most important aspect of Catholic involvement in the Colombian conflict is hope. Organizations like Catholic Relief Services and the National Social Ministry provide this hope by ensuring Colombian citizens that peace is possible. Church members themselves risk their lives every day to help those most affected by the conflict, and work with both partisan groups in an attempt to work toward peace. Catholics in Colombia need to continue doing what they are doing, despite many naysayers that argue that peace in Colombia can never be achieved.
"Peacebuilding in Colombia: Interview with Msgr. Hector Fabio." Caritas.org. Caritas. Web. 13 May 2012. http://www.caritas.org/activities/peace_reconciliation/PeaceColumbia.html.
Fallon, Joan. "Lighting the Path to Peace in Colombia." The College of Arts and Letters. The University of Notre Dame, 17 July 2007. Web. 13 May 2012. <http://al.nd.edu/news/12754-lighting-the-path-to-peace-in-colombia/>.
I agree, that aid is necessary for those in danger of loosing their lives to warfare, hunger, or disease.However the U.S already provides billions of dollars to help in stopping the drug trafficking as well as the violence associated with it. How much more support can the U.S give to stop this violence? I also agree with your point that the church needs to raise awareness about this violence. The Colombian church leaders along with church leaders from across the world, need to try and reach those causing the violence and show them that what they are doing is destroying lives as well as their whole country. The money given to Colombia should be used to create jobs to employ the thousands who turn to Coca growth for employment,therefor decreasing the Coca growth and then cocaine production. Without coca growth, cartels will not have any workers and their incomes and power will decrease. Your post goes into how the people affected by the violence should be aided by other countries, but fails to show how the church can get to the source of problem, which is the lack of jobs, weak government, and the strong cartels who try to control the drug trade of Colombia.
ReplyDeleteAlthough the Church and all of these organizations are working towards peace within Colombia, I do not believe it is as easy as you make it seem. Also, the Church may have much aid, but those directly involved in the fighting in Colombia are not happy with Christians, or any religious people. As they see it, being religious makes one an enemy because if you are not with them you are against them.. Having faith means not wanting violence or drugs. As to Maciek's comment, the US is giving tons of money to Colombia, but much of that money is also being used to fund the paramilitary groups that cause more problems and prolong the war and destruction of Colombia.
ReplyDeleteWhile this post is clear on the Church's efforts to end the drug trade in Colombia, it fails to analyze what aspects of Catholic Social Teaching lead the Church to such action. For example, while it is important to mention organizations like the Catholic Relief Service, it is even more important to analyze the characteristics of the faith that made the Church take such a stand against this trade. In order to do this, one must look toward the themes of Catholic Social Teaching that lead the Church in their efforts against the spread of the drug wars, for embracing these themes, as the Church tries to do, is essential in finally putting an end to this industry. By advocating the major themes of Catholic Social Teaching, the Church can make a huge difference in eradicating the illegal trade of drugs throughout Colombia. These themes include the life and dignity of a human person, the call to family, community, and participation, rights and responsibilities, the dignity of work and rights of workers, and solidarity (Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching). If the Church fosters these themes and continues to advocate them and act parallel to these principles, the influence of the drug trade would lessen, for it would be viewed as an industry that goes against the most fundamental Catholic teachings. Therefore, while this post does an excellent job of highlighting the Church's efforts against the drug war, it fails to analyze the principles of Catholic Social Teaching that actually motivate the Church to make a difference. Understanding these themes is essential to ending the drug war, and with the Church's help in advocating them, the possibility of the drug influence in Colombia subsiding increases.
ReplyDelete"Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching." Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching. Web. 13 May 2012. .
EXCELLENT POST
DeleteAll of you make very valid points in your comments. Maciek, we both seem to agree on the fact that US funding is extremely important in the global quest to end the Colombian conflict. A concept also supported by Diandra’s comment is that Christians and the Colombian church need to ensure that US dollars are put in the right hands and toward the proper cause. I also agree with Diandra’s point about the danger faced by church members. I understand the difference in views between the Church and Colombian belligerent parties in the conflict, and why that creates violence. I also would like to stress, however, the influence of the Church in Colombia. In a country more than 80% Catholic, the church has power itself because it probably has more followers than either side in the political conflict. Thus, the church in colombia can be used as a political weapon that both groups are forced to deal and negotiate with. Therefore, it can become a mediator between both sides. Because of Danielle’s comment, I now know the importance of applying Catholic Social Teaching and other Christian values to the actions of the Church in Colombia. Although many solutions describe what needs to be done in Colombia, Catholic Social Teaching describe why it must be done.
ReplyDelete