Colombian bishops commit to seeking 'zero armed conflict' by 2010

Published: 2005-07-11

BOGOTA, Colombia (CNS) -- Colombian bishops said they are committing themselves to "zero armed conflict" by 2010. "That's five years, and I think we can achieve it," Archbishop Luis Castro Quiroga of Tunja said during a July 8 press conference at the end of the bishops' 79th plenary assembly. The bishops are members of the National Commission for Conciliation, a group of representatives from different institutions looking for ways to achieve peace. In a document signed July 8 by Archbishop Castro, newly elected president of the episcopal conference, the bishops expressed concern for increasing poverty, issues involving respect for human life, and the diminishing respect for the Christian family and marriage. "We seek for everyone in Colombia to have life, life with quality, life in a more human and brotherly society, life in a church full of love and that serves the most needy," the document said.

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