Argentina: Bishops say country is 'sick with violence'

Argentina's bishops have protested about the "rising tide" of violence and corruption in the country. In a statement entitled: 'Blessed are the peacemakers', released on 8 May at the end of their plenary conference, they said: "Some symptoms are obvious, others more subtle, but in one way or another we are all affected. We pause to reflect on this drama because we believe that love conquers hate and that our people yearn for peace."

"Many live in fear when entering or leaving the house .. or are anxious waiting for the return of the children from school...Crimes have not only increased in quantity but also in aggressiveness. An increasingly fierce and ruthless violence causes serious injuries and often comes to murder."

The bishops say the impact of drugs sometimes leads to "violent and uncontrolled behaviour of offenders" and killings are followed by revenge killings.

The poor are often blamed for the violence, but they suffer just as much, they bishops say, blaming the media for not reporting crimes against the poor. The bishops say the poor also suffer hunger and marginalization, job insecurity and structural impoverishment, which contrasts with the "insulting ostentation of wealth" of the rich.

The bishops point to the scandal of child malnutrition, people sleeping on the streets, overcrowding and abuse, domestic violence, children leaving school, fights, gangs, sometimes linked to political and social leaders, children cleaning car windshields unwelcome migrants and even the destruction of nature. Hearts are being hardened so that these misfortunes are now seen as part of normal life, they said.

"To achieve a peaceful society everyone is called to heal their own violence. We must recognize the various crises being experienced by the family, which is the first school of peace. In it we learn the good news of human love and the joy of living. But many children and adolescents grow up alone and on the streets."

The bishops also complain of the " social cancer" of corruption in public life and business which causes injustice and death. Money that should be allocated to the good of the people causes inefficiency in basic health services, education and transportation, they said, adding that these crimes are rarely prosecuted.

In the meantime they say organized crime mafias dedicated to trafficking for labour or sexual slavery, trafficking in drugs and weapons, stolen cars, are flourishing.

The Bishops appeal for respect and implementation of the law in Argentina. They complain about Argentina's overcrowded, poorly-resourced prison system. Nearly half Argentina's prison population have not yet been to court. "Most of them are young poor and unable to hire defence lawyers. ... No crime justifies abuse or disrespect to the dignity of detainees."

The bishops praise "notable initiatives in schools, churches, clubs, art workshops and other civil society organizations" and they urge leaders "to develop a dialogue to generate consensus and state policies to overcome the current situation."

They conclude by saying: "The Virgin of Luján, present in the believing heart of many Argentinians, encourages and accompanies us in our endeavour " ... because every time we look back to Mary.. we see that humility and tenderness are not virtues of the weak but of the strong, they do not need to abuse others feel important ... "

The government of President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner responded by saying the Bishops' statement was a "deliberate attempt" to blame it for the insecurity, ahead of elections.

Under the previous president, the late Nestor Kirschner, relations between Church and State were very tense. Since his wife Mrs Fernandez de Kirchner took office, commentators say the government has been less hostile, however in 2010, when Argentina became the first South American country to legalise gay marriage, then-Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio attacked the government. There have also been clashes over the issue of abortion.

Since Cardinal Bergoglio was elected Pope, in 2013, relations have improved to some extent. The president has met Pope Francis three times.

To read the Argentinian Bishops' statement in full, (in Spanish) see:

www.episcopado.org/portal/actualidad-cea/oficina-de-prensa/item/871-declaración-felices-los-que-trabajan-por-la-paz.html