Protest attempts to bring focus on killings of young women in Mexico

Published: 2004-02-16

CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico (CNS) -- The serial murders, domestic killings and disappearances of more than 300 young women and girls in this border city were transformed from forgotten tragedy into international symbol. Behind an altar set up in Ciudad Juarez's central square Feb. 14, grieving mothers and committed local activists stood shoulder to shoulder with international film stars during an ecumenical service that culminated in a protest march. "In the name of the mothers and the victims, we say 'Not one more,'" actress Jane Fonda said when handed the microphone during the ceremony led by a Catholic priest and three evangelical pastors. Fonda was the main celebrity attraction during the day of action sponsored by Amnesty International and the V-Day group that campaigns around the world to stop violence against women. Father Oscar Enriquez Perez, who helped preside over the ceremony, gave a short sermon interpreting the Gospel story of the good Samaritan as a call for solidarity with the women of Juarez. He lauded the presence of local, national and international groups. "Let's maintain the idea of the good Samaritan," Father Enriquez said. "God will ask us when we die on whose side were we on, and who we defended, and nobody will be able to avoid those questions." Father Enriquez is one of the few Catholic priests who actively participate in the movement to demand justice for the women of Juarez. The local diocese prefers to approach the issue by preaching family values from the pulpit rather than participating in street protests, a spokesman said.

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