Statement
Testimony Before House on US Policy Towards El Salvador, January 14, 1981
Testimony by Rev. J. Bryan Hehir Before House on US Policy Towards El Salvador, January 14, 1981
Perspective of the Church in El Salvador
- The Salvadoran church, led by figures like Archbishop Oscar Romero, embraces a pastoral mission of “option for the poor” and has suffered greatly (Romero’s assassination, 11 priests killed, 4 U.S. missionaries murdered).
- The conflict is seen as a struggle for social justice against entrenched inequality and repression, not merely a geopolitical issue.
USCC’s Position
- Opposes U.S. military aid to El Salvador’s junta, following Archbishop Romero’s 1980 appeal to President Carter.
- Concern: Military aid strengthens repressive forces and worsens violence against civilians and church communities.
- Troubled by the redefinition of the conflict as an East–West Cold War issue, which shifts focus away from internal injustices.
Key Arguments
- Soviet/Cuban involvement is unacceptable, but U.S. policy should prioritize El Salvador’s internal problems over superpower rivalry.
- Framing the war as a test of U.S.–Soviet strength risks ignoring the plight of the poor and undermines long-term U.S. interests.
Recommendations
- Do not sacrifice justice for “security”; support reforms that uphold human dignity.
- End military intervention by all major powers, including halting arms sales.
- Promote political dialogue to stop violence and enable reconciliation.
- Limit destructive military aid; warn that escalation could lead to U.S. weapons being used against Christian communities.
- Focus on humanitarian relief and reconstruction, using organizations like the Red Cross.