AMERICA/PERU – We call for peace, tranquility, unity and reconciliation, based on a broad process of listening and national dialogue
Lima (Agenzia Fides) – “Peruvians want a society characterized by hope, dialogue, social peace, justice and human development. We also ask the international community to respect our sovereignty and the democratic transition that knows our country. The big message we want to convey is to treat others as we would like to be treated ourselves, an ethical principle that we must all share.” This is an excerpt from the joint declaration signed by the representatives of 16 religions and faith communities present in Peru, drawn up following a meeting held on December 21 at the Archdiocese of Lima, in which they addressed the dramatic events that the country is experiencing, and in which they launched “an appeal for peace, tranquility, unity and reconciliation on the basis of a broad process of listening and dialogue national”.
According to information collected by Fides, the number of people killed is 27 and more than 650 injured in the clashes between supporters of former President Castillo and the Peruvian security forces. Since Mr Castillo’s ouster and arrest on December 7, protests have erupted across the country, including in the capital. Thousands of people demanded the resignation of the new president, Dina Boluarte, and the convening of a constituent assembly. On December 14, the government declared a nationwide state of emergency for 30 days. Former President Castillo has meanwhile been sentenced to 18 months in prison by the Supreme Court, while the investigation into the charges against him continues.
From the first moment, the Peruvian bishops urged the institutions to “protect and safeguard democracy, guaranteeing, preserving and restoring public and constitutional order”, calling “to maintain national unity, calm and put end to all forms of violence and violation of the fundamental rights of citizens” (see Fides 9/12/2022). In a message they repeated: “We need a sincere dialogue, to calm the spirits in order to protect our weak democracy, to preserve the institutionality and to maintain the fraternity of our people” (see Fides 13/12/ 2022). On December 18, they invited “all the faithful and people of good will to express peace, hope and brotherhood in Peru” through a day of prayer for peace (see Fides 16/12/2022).
The “Interfaith Communique on the Political Crisis in Peru”, published on December 22, emphasizes the belief that “spirituality is a central and fundamental element in the life of all human beings”. In these times of serious social and political crisis in the country, which has deep roots, the religious communities are “in deep sadness for the lives that have been lost in the recent demonstrations and demand a transparent investigation into the serious events that threaten social peace”. They believe that “we must listen to each other and hear the cries of our brothers and sisters who claim their rights, a task particularly proper to the State”. They invite “not to polarize or discriminate against each other, but on the contrary to unite for the common good, because we must all be the builders of a dignified, fraternal and peaceful Peru”.
Addressing the political and civil authorities, they are reminded of their duty to seek, “through frank and sincere dialogue, truly democratic solutions”, because any solution “requires the joint application of spiritual, moral and ethical approaches”. . If, in the short term, it is urgent to carry out political reforms that can no longer be postponed, it is still necessary to have a long and medium term vision, “where education and work are the central element , for the good of all Peruvians”.
We do not want an atomized, polarized or violent country”, write the representatives of the religions in the final part. Millions of Peruvians want and trust in justice, unity and peace… We must reconcile to understand us and walk together, all of us: civilians and soldiers, men of the countryside and the city”.
The Ecclesial Network of Justice and Peace Commissions of Latin America and the Caribbean has also issued a statement addressed to all political, social and trade union actors in Peru, expressing its solidarity with the Peruvian people, who, once again in their history , faces a political crisis and is subject to violence. “We consider it necessary to insist on respect for human rights, which are the basis of peace and justice in relations between citizens and the State”, they emphasize, and they invite: “It is time to have a public debate that, in the face of legitimate differences, is able to find creative solutions that guarantee democracy in Peru”. (SL) (Agenzia Fides, 23/12/2022)
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