This Sunday the Mexican Church made a new and urgent call to the peace in Mexico, focusing their attention especially on the southern state of Chiapas, where on October 20, the murder of priest Marcelo Pérez.
In its Sunday editorial Desde la Fe, the Archdiocese of Mexico expressed its concern and pain for the growing violence that has left indelible traces in society, demanding an immediate stop to this spiral of insecurity.
“The Church, as a Mother who cares for, consoles and accompanies her children, raises an urgent call for peace in Mexico, directing her gaze with particular insistence towards Chiapas,” the editorial noted. The statement emphasized that criminal acts, such as the one that occurred against Father Pérez, not only tear apart families and communities, but also fracture an already vulnerable social fabric, plunging the country into a deep crisis of values and security.
The pronouncement of the Church is firm and clear: “we want peace. A peace that emerges from the depths, that is solid, lasting,” stated the Archdiocese, underlining the need for forceful actions.
Furthermore, the Church urged the construction of a peace that is based on dialogue and listening, that overcomes polarization and is translated into laws that promote and defend human life. He stressed that The Catholic Church has not limited itself to wordsbut has undertaken a series of concrete actions to promote reconciliation and harmony.
These initiatives include pilgrimages, bell ringing, days of prayer, holy hours, moments of reflection, peace forums and other community expressions of hope and faith. All of these activities are intended to raise awareness among the authorities and ask them to heed this urgent call, working in a coordinated manner with the entire society to create an environment conducive to dialogue and listening.
The murder of Father Marcelo Pérez is not an isolated event, since Mexico remains one of the most dangerous countries for religious leaders and human rights defenders. The violence plaguing the country has generated a series of condemnations, not only from the Catholic Church, but also from international organizations.
The Mexico Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN-DH) has documented the chilling figure of at least 134 human rights defenders murdered since 2017, with seven of these crimes recorded so far in 2024.
With information from EFE
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Dr. Lucia Martinez, Expert on Violence and Social Dynamics in Mexico
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, Dr. Martinez. Thank you for joining us today. This past Sunday, the Mexican Church issued a poignant call for peace, particularly highlighting the tragic murder of priest Marcelo Pérez in Chiapas. What were your immediate thoughts on this statement?
Dr. Martinez: Thank you for having me. The Church’s call for peace is both timely and necessary. The murder of Father Pérez is emblematic of the broader crisis of violence we are witnessing in Mexico. Religious leaders often hold a unique position in society, and their voices can carry significant weight, especially in areas affected by turmoil. This statement may encourage community reflection and action.
Time.news Editor: The Archdiocese emphasized the “indelible traces” of violence in society. Can you elaborate on what these traces look like in communities throughout Mexico, particularly in Chiapas?
Dr. Martinez: Absolutely. By “indelible traces,” the Church is highlighting the deep and lasting psychological scars violence leaves on individuals and communities. In Chiapas, which has a complex socio-economic landscape, violence exacerbates existing social issues such as poverty, inequality, and lack of access to education. Families are often torn apart, and the social fabric becomes fragile, leading to distrust and disempowerment among the populace.
Time.news Editor: One powerful line from the Church’s editorial was that criminal acts fracture an already vulnerable social fabric. How do you think the Church can play a role in rebuilding this fabric?
Dr. Martinez: The Church can serve as a unifying force. By providing support not just morally or spiritually, but also practically—such as offering community services, mediation, and educational programs—they can help heal the wounds caused by violence. Moreover, their emphasis on peace can mobilize community members to engage in dialogues and initiatives aimed at rebuilding trust and solidarity.
Time.news Editor: The editorial framed violence as a deep crisis of values and security. In your opinion, what are the root causes of this crisis, particularly in regions like Chiapas?
Dr. Martinez: The roots are quite complex, but primarily, I would point to a combination of socio-economic disparities and a breakdown of governance. In many areas, the state is either unable or unwilling to provide basic services or security. This vacuum allows criminal organizations to thrive, creating a culture of fear and lawlessness. The crisis of values stems from a sense of hopelessness and lack of opportunities, particularly for the youth.
Time.news Editor: The Church’s statement reflects a deep pain for these communities. Can you discuss how the collective trauma of violence has shaped Mexican society and its institutions?
Dr. Martinez: Collective trauma has profound effects. It can lead to normalized violence, where communities begin to accept it as part of life. This can undermine faith in institutions, including the government and law enforcement. The erosion of trust may also prevent individuals from seeking help or reporting crimes, thereby perpetuating the cycle of violence. It promotes a culture of silence, which is detrimental to healing and progress.
Time.news Editor: As we look towards the future, what steps do you think should be prioritized to address the violence in Chiapas and beyond?
Dr. Martinez: First and foremost, we need comprehensive policies that address both immediate security needs and the underlying socio-economic issues. There must be a concerted effort from the government, NGOs, and community organizations to create job opportunities, improve education, and provide mental health support. Additionally, dialogue initiatives facilitated by trusted leaders, like those from the Church, can help rebuild community ties and foster trust.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Martinez, for your valuable insights. Your perspective is crucial for understanding the complex dynamics at play in Mexico today.
Dr. Martinez: Thank you for having me. It’s essential that we keep this conversation going and support efforts towards peace and healing in our communities.