Speech on Role of Faith-based and Community Actors in Central America, November 16, 2017

Speech on Role of Faith-based and Community Actors in Central America, November 16, 2017, at the Catholic University of America

Bishop Cantú, as Chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace, emphasizes the Catholic Church’s global humanitarian mission and its role in addressing violence, poverty, and migration in Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. Bishop Cantú urges continued collaboration among faith-based actors, governments, and civil society to create just societies and protect human dignity.

Key Challenges in the Northern Triangle:

• Widespread violence, gang control, and “join-or-die” ultimatums for youth.
• Poverty, unemployment, failed harvests, and climate change impacts.
• Human trafficking and gender-based violence as major drivers of migration.
• Corruption and impunity undermining governance.

Root Causes & Solutions:

• Forced migration stems from insecurity and lack of opportunity.
• Development is critical: addressing corruption, violence, and poverty comprehensively.
• Education and vocational programs empower youth and reduce vulnerability to gangs and traffickers.

Role of Faith-Based Actors:

• Act as bridge builders, peacemakers, and defenders of human dignity.
• Collaborate with governments and NGOs to combat trafficking and violence.
• Provide pastoral care and advocate for systemic change.

Highlighted Initiatives:

• Catholic Relief Services (CRS): Programs like Youth Pathways in El Salvador and Honduras help at-risk youth return to school, find jobs, or start businesses.
• Communities Leading Development (Guatemala): Strengthens local organizations and community-driven projects.
• Partnerships with USAID, Caritas, and U.S. agencies to address root causes and support migrants.

Moral Imperative:

• Pope Francis’ call to fight modern slavery and inequality (Evangelii Gaudium).
• Long-term investment in development and human security is essential for peace and stability.

Bishop-Cantu-speech-role-faith-based-community-actors-central-america-11-16-2017.pdf