Bishops of Ecuador call to banish violence and start dialogue before the current crisis

Ecuador’s bishops pointed out that violence is not the way to build a better country and encouraged dialogue between the parties in conflict to deal with the current Ecuadorian crisis.

In a communication Published on October 1 and entitled “Call for Peace and Dialogue in Ecuador”, the bishops gathered in Azogues – in the framework of their 158th Plenary Assembly – warned that “our country is going through a delicate moment of social and political tension, whose structural causes are evidenced in deep problems and discomforts.”

“Given this scenario, we affirm that only French and permanent dialogue It will always be the most fruitful way to find solutions to everyone’s problems ”, a path that also guarantees“ democratic life ”, the bishops point out.

The prelates also recognized “the Pacific protest right of those who feel that their voice has not been heard and their rights have been violated. An always open and respectful protest of the other, that opens the future instead of closing it. ”

The bishops also specified that “violence will never be the way to build a better Ecuador, it always ends up attempting against life, injures innocent, and affects the common good, weakening the rule of law and its institutions, guarantee for a healthy coexistence.”

In that sense, they encouraged all parties involved to work for peace, through listening and dialogue, without seeing others as enemies but as brothers. “Only we will build a reconciled Ecuador, where everyone’s life, freedom and rights are respected, and we can aspire to true development in justice and equity,” they said.

National strike in Ecuador

This October 2 is 11 days after the national strike called by the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (Conaie), who protest in different cities of Ecuador, also with the blockade of roads in seven province of the country.

The protests, with confrontations with the forces of the order and that have already left a deceased, are given by the decision of the government of President Daniel Noboa, to eliminate the diesel subsidy, among other policies.

The Executive has described the protests as “terrorist” acts and has denounced the kidnapping of several military. According to Ecuavisa, 17 military were released on October 1with fractured arms and legs, some with a broken head, blows and burns.

A few days ago Cardinal Luis Cabrera, president of the Episcopate, said that the Catholic Church is always willing to mediate and collaborate with the dialogue between the parties in conflict.