GUATEMALA, AUGUST 25 (ZENIT.org)

    The Guatemalan Episcopal Conference has published a statement in face of growing signs of violence and impunity in the country. The bishops say that Guatemala is in the midst of a crisis: the deficient application of justice both because of a lack of political will as well as the inefficiency of the present system responsible for implementing it.

    This is a serious phenomenon, the legacy of decades of civil war, during which many grew accustomed to the use of weapons, weakening government institutions.

    Because of this, the bishops exhort persons who take justice into their own hands, and at times descend to lynching, to examine their behavior before God, "who for no reason whatsoever permits the destruction of a life that belongs only to Him." The prelates appeal to the people in general to go to competent authorities when crimes are committed. They request the legitimately constituted authorities to demonstrate, with concrete deeds, the political will to address the problems that most affect communities. The bishops appeal to civilian society, human rights organizations, the international community and, especially, MINUGUA (the U.N. Verification Mission in Guatemala) not to give up the struggle for the eradication of these evils.

    "We pray to the God of life and peace to guide us with his Spirit in the commitment toward the construction of a more human, just, and fraternal society," the bishops concluded. ZE00082503

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