Bolivian bishops speak out against increase in lynchings

The Bishops’ Conference of Bolivia has expressed concern over the growing number of lynchings taking place in the country, saying they manifest scorn “for the sacred value of life as a gift of God” and violate human dignity.

The bishops lamented the increase in these kinds of practices, which some try to justify “with untenable arguments and that at times border on an apology for the crime.” 

They also chided officials for not punishing those responsible. 

“Violence and death are not solutions for man’s problems. We must remember that only rationality in human actions will allow society to exist in peace and love,” the bishops said.

Beyond the many causes of the problem, the bishops said, this behavior is the result of the exiling of God from society and from one’s personal life, which “leads to the lack of moral guidance in one’s actions and scorn for life in the hearts of people.”

"True democracy is not built on death. We need to find alternatives for rehabilitation of people who commit serious crimes, but never eliminating them. That is not ethical and not human, much less Christian," the bishops stated.

 
“As the Catholic Church, we ask all Bolivians to banish once and forever from our country these inhumane practices," and "to rediscover the true human and Christian values that are born of faith in the God of life and love,” they said.

SIC: CNA/INT'L