In a July 18 statement, the bishops said, “In this time that Colombia is going through, let's walk together. And even though we feel like we’re in the midst of a storm, let us heed the voice of the Lord: ‘Do not be afraid!’”
“Christ Jesus calls us to recognize that all of us as Colombians are in the same boat. How many limitations we experience in our attempt to maneuver the rudder!” they said.
The bishops stressed that “Real solutions are not imposed; on the contrary, we need each other to reestablish the direction of our lives towards others, each contributing from his abilities and talents: institutions, civil society and each person.”
“It pains us,“ the bishops said, to see “the suffering of so many families, the sick, our brothers and sisters who are hungry and have lost everything, so many young people who don’t see any hope for the future, those who have suffered violence.”
“This reality invites us to turn our gaze to the Lord of life, to feel the intimate embrace of His mercy, and the need to continue building together the project of an equitable and inclusive nation. Going further down the paths of hatred and division only does us more harm,'' they pointed out.
The bishops urged the faithful to pray that “the Lord will give us the grace to transform this point in time into a story of salvation for all. Let's not let Hope be stolen!”