Statement
Honduran Bishops' Conference Statement in Spanish and English, March 2016
Honduran Bishops' Conference Statement, Spanish and English, March 2016
Issued after the assassination of Berta Cáceres, highlighting systemic violence and corruption in Honduras.
Key Themes
- Crisis of Violence and Impunity
- Over 700 massacres in six years remain unresolved.
- Corruption and impunity have dismantled the justice system, allowing crime to infiltrate government, police, and judiciary.
- Social Decay and Inequality
- A culture that admires wealth gained through crime and corruption.
- Loss of respect for life and dignity, leading to fear, insecurity, and fragmentation of society.
- Urgent Reforms Needed
- Transparent investigations and a clean, credible police force free from collusion.
- General disarmament: Only the State should carry weapons under special circumstances.
- Strengthen institutions and adopt a development model that prioritizes collective needs and harmony with nature.
- Moral and Political Responsibility
- The State must guarantee human rights and protect those defending life and the environment.
- Quoting Laudato Si (178): Political greatness lies in acting for principles and the common good during crises.
- Recommendations
- Enforce laws to prevent crime and end impunity.
- Implement long-term education for peace, dialogue, and respect for life.
- Promote inclusive dialogue without partisan or private interests.
- Build a truly representative democracy with strong institutions and ethical leadership.