Cardinal Felipe Arizmendi, Bishop Emeritus of San Cristóbal de Las Casas and head of the Doctrine of the Faith at the Mexican Episcopal Conference (CEM), offers Exaudi readers his weekly article.

FACTS

Donald Trump, President of the United States, ordered the bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities, citing security reasons for his country, for Israel, and humanity, without the mandatory authorization of Congress. Could he be right? Israel has also attacked Iran, the terrorist group Hamas, and other enemies. His Prime Minister also cites national security reasons. Could he be right? In other countries, there are internal wars and guerrilla warfare, each with its own reasons. Is it to protect one’s security, or for ambitions for power and domination over others? It is difficult to make judgments on each case, but the fact is that there is much death, destruction, and devastation of thousands of innocent people who have nothing to do with these conflicts. This is a modern version of Cain, who kills his brother for the ambition to prevail.

Among us, attacks by armed groups of common and organized crime continue unabated, along with assaults on individuals to rob them, violent demonstrations by groups that destroy everything in their path, and roadblocks set up to protest various reasons, many of which are well-founded but cause untold harm to thousands of people unrelated to the problem. Small businesses have had to protect their premises with bars and various padlocks, or close down, because they cannot pay the fees demanded by extortionists. Several citizens have felt the need to acquire a weapon for any emergency. Others have sought asylum in various countries. Why so much violence?

In some families, there are arguments between spouses and even between siblings, all to protect what each considers their rights. In schools, in neighborhoods or settlements, in workplaces, and between neighboring towns, life isn’t always peaceful and tranquil. There’s fear of being mugged. People can’t go out in peace, especially at night, for fear of someone harming them. Violence is everywhere, if not physical, then verbal. In the media, crime stories take up much of the coverage. Why have we degraded so much?

There is a form of violence that is rarely reported, for fear of reporting, but it is very real. Organized crime groups control many areas of society; they force taxi drivers to carry money, drugs, or other items wherever they are ordered, without knowing what they are carrying and exposing them to arrest by the authorities. They force truck owners to carry food for themselves or their animals, free of charge, just because they are ordered to, and woe betide anyone who doesn’t!

The government is not solely responsible for this and so much other violence. It should protect its citizens, but it is often overwhelmed and unsure how to proceed. It is said that poverty and lack of opportunity are the cause of so much violence, but this is not always the case. Above all, it is the lack of education in human values, from the family, from school, and the media. The destruction of families, the abandonment of children, alcoholism, arguments between parents, and the contamination of gangs—all play a significant role in this social deterioration. Ultimately, it is the lack of true faith in God, who loves us and teaches us to love and respect one another.

LIGHTNING

The Mexican bishops, in a message addressed to all the people, express:

“We address the people of Mexico, as pastors of the Catholic community, with deep concern for the growing violence suffered by our beloved country and with great sadness for the loss of thousands of innocent lives that have filled entire families with mourning. Crime has spread everywhere, disrupting the daily life of the entire society, affecting productive activities in cities and the countryside, exerting pressure through extortion on those who work honestly in the markets, schools, and small, medium-sized, and large businesses. It has taken over the streets, neighborhoods, and entire towns, as well as roads, highways, and freeways, and, most seriously, has manifested itself with levels of inhuman cruelty in executions and massacres that have made our country one of the most unsafe and violent places in the world.

We recognize that as a Church we have not done enough in the evangelization of peoples and that we need to redouble our efforts. We want to join the thousands of voices of citizens of good will calling for an end to this situation. Enough is enough! We cannot remain indifferent or oblivious to what is affecting us all.

We are all Mexicans, we all need to live in peace and harmony. It is the responsibility of those who govern to apply the law fairly to eradicate impunity, respecting human rights while ensuring the safety of citizens and social peace. We believe that peace is possible, that it must be possible. In this task, all citizens of good will, can be allies”  (June 23, 2022).

ACTIONS

In 2009, the Mexican episcopate issued a document entitled  “That in Christ, our peace, Mexico may have a dignified life.”  Since then, we have committed to  “strengthening the role of the family in building peace. The family, as a fundamental and irreplaceable educational community, is a privileged vehicle for transmitting those religious and cultural values ​​that help individuals acquire their own identity. The identity of men and women, promoters of peace and justice in society, is forged in the family”  (No. 196). Let us be builders of peace from within our families.