Peruvian Episcopal Conference proposes to mediate dialogue between government, Congress and protesters

The socio-political crisis that the country has been experiencing since December 7 received a new episode of violence with protests that took place yesterday, Thursday, Lime. In addition, other mobilizations are expected to be announced in the coming days, in which the earliest end of the crisis is still uncertain.

Given this panorama, as a way to contribute to building consensus among Government, Congress and protestersThe Peruvian Episcopal Conference, at its last meeting, decided to offer itself as a “mediator” to formulate a dialogue in favor of the country, and thus the protests came to an end.

“AT Assembly We decided that if they ask us to act as mediators, build bridges between the legislative and executive authorities, civil society and protest groups (…), we are ready to talk to everyone,” the head of state said. Monsignor Miguel Cabejosthe president Peruvian Episcopal Conference, in dialogue with News RPP.

” Bishops’ Conference reunited and ready to mediate at the national level in this difficult situation, because we believe in Peru. Peru is more than its problems. We all need to make commitments, be binding in our coordination and decisions,” he added.

Monsignor Miguel Cabrejos: “We cannot destroy Peru by ourselves”

Monsignor Cabrejos He pointed out that the protest, leading to acts of violence, only contributes to the “destruction of the country.”

“We are all called to defend institutionalism, we cannot abolish or destroy the democratic order, the rule of law, but this also leads to the demand for commitment from citizens, politicians and rulers,” he said.

In this sense, he was in favor of nominating the next legislature Congress that a new general election “be held as soon as possible”.

“This advancement of the elections must happen as soon as possible. (It should be) the promotion of the legislature, because that’s one of the important things. I think that the current authorities Legislative D Executive they must be assumed and taken into account during the transition. Then, so that all politicians really take the responsibility to get out of the crisis,” he said.

Similarly, he criticized that congressmen are “on vacation” while these acts of violence are taking place in the country. It should be noted that now the parliamentarians are having a representative week.

“I think advancing the election is a cry. For them to push the legislature as soon as possible. They say they’re on vacation, but what vacation can it be when your house is on fire politically and physically. Peru is on fire. Promote the legislature, commitment to a specific election date and that they are considered transitional. Right now, we cannot think selfishly “I need my salary, my job”. We are indebted to Peru,” he said.

In addition, he clarified that the meeting Peruvian Episcopal Conference He ordered that all bishops seek dialogue with protesters in their respective jurisdictions.

“AT Assemblywe decided that each of the 54 bishops in 46 jurisdictions will do everything possible to get closer to dialogue, to become closer to everyone,” he said.

Cardinal Pedro Barreto: “Peruvians must learn to have a dialogue”

For his part, Cardinal Pedro Barreto, First Vice President Peruvian Episcopal Conferencein dialogue with RPP Newspointed out that there are “fair claims” that were not heard.

“I believe that there are fair claims based on promises unfulfilled over the years, and therefore the first thing we should do is to be close to them, listen to them and urge everyone not to build more walls between us. dividing walls, on which they face Walls with Amazon, Andes and even cities,” he said.

In this sense, he emphasized that it is time to “build bridges of dialogue in order to listen to each other (…), listen to God, listen to our people and walk together” and learn dialogue.

“We must learn to have a dialogue. If a person does not want dialogue, if he wants to maintain his position, if he is not able to listen, it is difficult to conduct a dialogue. We must understand that Peru is closed, with walls and some insurmountable walls that cannot be overcome,” he said.

“You must sow drop by drop what is written there San Francisco de Asis, to be the instrument of the world. This is the key to being the instruments of the world with justice; and justice with reconciliation and forgiveness,” he added.