(ANS - Caracas)- "We view with concern the way violence is growing nationwide, with the sad result of the loss of many lives. As young Christians, members of the Catholic Church in Venezuela, we reaffirm our commitment to work for peace, justice, freedom, democracy and national reconciliation, always in the light of the Gospel." With these words the Salesian Youth Movement of Venezuela express profound grief over the violent incidents that have occurred in recent days. The full text of their press release follows:

Together with the whole Salesian Family, we express our pain at the murder by criminals of Fr Jesús Plaza and Salesian Brother Luis Sánchez. We have hope in the resurrection and the certainty that they are already sharing the joy of heaven. However, we cannot cease to express our repudiation of the way they died. Neither can we give up the search for educational methods to try to prevent our children, adolescents and young people from succumbing to the culture of violence, which leads to such terrible deeds and destroys their chances of a decent life. This pain which is experienced in so many of our families and communities compels us to join our voices to those of the Venezuelan people in calling for justice and security in our country. We demand that all the relevant state agencies implement appropriate policies, sustained over time, to bring about a significant reduction in the serious situation of violence and insecurity that exists in our society.

We join in the grief of the Venezuelan people as they mourn the death of more than 15 people – mostly young people – in the violence of recent days. We implore God to grant them eternal rest and we offer our condolences to their families.

We recognize the legitimate right to protest, which is enshrined in our Constitution. These protests must be peaceful and the protesters’ appeal must be heard by the authorities. They cannot close their eyes and ears to the strength of the claims. The State is required to take responsibility for the safety of those who make demands in a fair and peaceful manner. Under no circumstances can violence by the demonstrators be justified. Neither can repression by the agencies of state security be justified.

We also reject the presence of radical groups who want to sabotage through violence the development of peaceful activities. The government should ensure that the relevant bodies disarm and dismantle these groups.

Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right. The State must ensure the free expression of ideas and opinions in public and also through the means of social communication. We condemn any action to suppress the voice of dissent from the policies of the government, through measures or actions which may be legal but are still unjust. Similarly, we invite the media to fulfil their duty to inform in ways that are appropriate and objective.

All Venezuelans live with the sad consequences of a society that is in a severe crisis due to polarization, scarcity of goods, the economic crisis, violence, insecurity, the collapse of the health system, anarchy, impunity, corruption at all levels. Faced with this situation, we reaffirm the legitimate right to protest, as a way of expressing dissatisfaction and proposing social alternatives that will lead to democratic development, always by peaceful means.

We call on all political agents, government and non-governmental agencies, and all social, economic, educational, religious and cultural institutions, to target their efforts toward the search for peace, truth, freedom, and the consolidation of democracy in which everyone's voice is heard and taken into account.

We invite all, especially the young people who are members of the Salesian Youth Movement, not to remain indifferent. Indifference is not a Christian attitude. Jesus did not want us to adopt a lukewarm attitude. Christians pray for peace, justice and freedom, but they also equip themselves to work in pursuit of these, each one in a way that is appropriate to their role in society. Christians should be always cheerful, always at peace.

We ask for days of reflection and prayer and we invite all to spread the message of reconciliation, justice, truth and peace. We do not respond, especially through social networks, to unconfirmed reports that are discriminatory or taken out of context. In our communication we do everything that contributes to the consolidation of peace, freedom and civic organization, always with respect and in a language that is not open to ambiguity.

As heirs of the Salesian charism, we reaffirm our commitment to be good Christians and honest citizens. In the spirit of the Beatitudes, we work for Hope and Justice, faithful to the commandment of love. We ask the Lord, through the intercession of Mary Help of Christians, to grant our country peace, justice and freedom in the exercise of democracy.

"I know the plans I have in mind for you,” - says the Lord – “plans for peace not disaster, reserving a future full of hope for you." (Jer 29:11) .

Caracas , 26 February 2014

National Coordinating Team of the Salesian Youth Movement in Venezuela

 

Published 28/02/2014