NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      GUATEMALA CITY (CWNews.com) - After turning down the government's offer to join the commission that is investigating the murder of Auxiliary Bishop Juan Gerardi Conedera, the Guatemalan Bishops' Conference on Monday asked the government to establish a permanent "red line" of communication.

      After finishing it's annual General Assembly, the bishops asked the government for the creation of "a permanent channel of communication between the government and the Guatemalan Bishops' Conference." The conference's spokesman explained that turning down the government's proposal "doesn't mean that we are unconcerned about the case. We urge authorities to hold a full investigation and find those responsible of this horrible crime soon."

      "We prefer not to take part in the commission because this is not our mission," the bishops said in a document. "The Church should not be warrantor or judge of the proper operation of civil institutions. On the contrary, we believe that they should operate efficiently and independently as a condition to strengthen democracy, "the bishops said in their message. The document also said that the permanent relationship they expect to achieve with the government "can be the best way to exchange mutual concerns and expectations about this case (the murder of Bishop Gerardi) and others in the future."