Caracas, Venezuela, Feb 10, 2009 / 11:06 am
The National Council of the Laity in Venezuela issued a press release this week rejecting anti-religious violence in the country, especially the attacks on the Apostolic Nunciature and the main synagogue in Caracas, and calling for a day of prayer this Wednesday, February 11.
“As Venezuelan Catholics, we reject the scorn for human life,” the statement said. “We reject the violent rhetoric, whatever its origins, and words filled with hatred which lead to division among Venezuelans.”
The statement went on to reject “the repeated attacks on the Apostolic Nunciature, which are not only an attack against an Embassy, but above all, a direct attack on the Holy Father and all Catholics. Likewise, we reject the constant offenses and attacks against the Bishops’ Conference and other representatives of the Catholic Church.”
The Council also expressed its rejection of the “profanation of the Tiferet Synagogue of Caracas and all the recent attacks against the Jewish community that reflect anti-Semitic attitudes unheard of until now in Venezuela.”