U.S. and Colombian Catholic Church Leaders Speak Out

Colombian and U.S. Church leaders have repeatedly spoken out in support of a just and lasting peace in Colombia. The following statements and letters offer a snapshot of the advocacy that Church leaders have done to raise awareness of the crisis in Colombia and to offer solutions for promoting justice and peace.

Colombian Church

Urgent Appeal by Colombian Bishops and Jesuit Leader in Response to Threats Against Community and Church Representatives (Magdalena Medio) (2008)

This statement by two Colombian Bishops and the Jesuit Director of well known regional Development and Peace initiative of Magdalena Medio outlines their concerns about death threats made against human rights and Church workers in this northwestern region of Colombia. It calls on the civilian, military and police authorities and the Colombian Public Ministry to protect the endangered workers and investigate and prosecute the perpetrators.

Colombian Bishops' Conference Statement (2007)

This statement by the Catholic Bishops of Colombia reflects on the current situation in Colombia and the Church's commitments in the face of these challenges.

Colombian Bishops Conference: Ten Principles for the Road Toward Peace (2002)

This statement by the Episcopal Conference of Colombian Bishops, outlines ten principles that they believe will bring about a just and lasting peace for Colombia. They state that these principles "would be useful for the various diocesan and parochial groups, and could equally serve those who bear the responsibility for giving direction for a national policy of lasting peace."

Lessons Learned in Peacebuilding - Colombian National Social Pastoral

This reflection by Monsignor Hector Fabio Henao Gaviria, Director of the National Social Pastoral Secretariat of the Colombian Conference of Catholic Bishops outlines the Colombian Church's experience in peacebuilding.

Bishops of the Pacific Coast Speak Out on Systemic Violence — Choco (2007)

This statement, signed by six Catholic Bishops of the Pacific Coast region of Colombia, summarizes their concerns about the violence and humanitarian crisis in the Choco region and includes demands for armed actors to withdraw from civilian areas and that the Colombian government investigate the human rights abuses and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Open Letter from the Catholic Bishops of Choco (2005)

This letter, signed by three Catholic Bishops of Colombia's Choco region and a civil society organization, the International Solidarity Forum of Choco, outlines the suffering and human rights concerns of the people of northwestern Colombia's Choco region, an area that has been severely affected by the conflict. It urges the Colombian President, Alvaro Uribe, to take "immediate, concrete actions so that our ancestral rights, recognised by the Colombian parliament, are not violated but efficiently defended by the government."

U.S. Church

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: Colombia (2008)

The USCCB's website on Colombia lists background information, letters, and statements that outline the Bishops’ position on the situation in Colombia and policy and advocacy recommendations for how to address the situation.

Statement by Bishop Wenski: Recommendations for Resolving the Situation of Colombian Displaced People and Refugee (2003)

This statement by Most Reverend Thomas Wenski, Auxiliary Bishop of Miami and Chairman, United States Conference of Catholic Bishop's Committee on Migration, was made after he traveled to Colombia and the surrounding region to assess the situation of refugees and displaced people. The statement offers recommendations to more adequately respond to the plight of the affected populations.

Leaders of Faith Communities call for Change in U.S. Colombia policy

This letter, signed by various leaders of faith communities and faith-based organizations in the United States, including Catholic Relief Services, was delivered to U.S. Presidential candidates seeking changes in U.S.-Colombia policy.

Trade Issues

Colombian Episcopal Conference Statement on Free Trade Agreement (2004)

This statement issued in light negotiations for a free trade agreement between Colombia and the U.S. outlines the Colombian Bishops' concerns regarding such an agreement as it relates to poor people, national sovereignty, food security, agriculture, the environment and other issues.

U.S. and Andean Bishops' statement regarding the Andean Free Trade Agreement (2005)

This statement by U.S. and Andean Bishops raises concerns about the proposed Andean Free Trade Agreement that would include Colombia. Negotiations for this agreement concluded in early 2006.
English/Spanish

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: Trade

The USCCB's website on trade issues lists background information, letters and statements on the Bishops' position on international trade issues, including the Andean Free Trade Agreement that encompasses Colombia.