Madrid, Spain, Feb 4, 2010 / 23:01 pm
During the 21st International Conference for Military Chaplains held in Spain this week, Bishop Fabio Suescun Mutis of the Military Diocese in Colombia emphasized that spiritual care for soldiers and police officers in Latin America is not only necessary, but urgent.
Bishop Suescun, who also chairs the chaplain’s commission of the Latin American Bishops’ Council, lamented that the work of police officers and soldiers “is often not acknowledged by the people.”
“Some harbor resistance due to the abuses of power that have previously been committed. Also, among believers, there are sometimes reservations regarding pastoral work with the military world.” He continued, "sometimes it is said that because weapons are for violence and death...people who bear arms should not be cared for."
Responding to this objection, the bishop underscored that “the mission of the armed forces is clear: to defend sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity; and to guarantee constitutional order, security and the well-being of the people.” For this reason, “I have no doubt that those who have been faithful and upright in the exercise of the police or military profession will also receive their reward at the end of time."