Information about past activities

Semana por la Paz 2006


Since 1987, Semana Por La Paz (the Week for Peace) has been celebrated annually in churches, communities and individual households throughout Colombia, with art, music, prayer, advocacy and conversation about the many representations of peace in daily life, and shared visions for peace for the nation of Colombia and the world. Communities throughout Colombia have said "no" to the violence of war, and "yes" to celebrating the peace that is experienced today and the peace that is yet to come. Semana Por La Paz is our chance to join in that celebration.

Spring Days of Prayer and Action: May 21 & 22, 2006

Remembering the Victims and Rejoicing with the Peacemakers: Days of Prayer and Action for Colombia

Thousands of churches and people of faith from the U.S. and Colombia came together to call for an end to the violence in Colombia. On Sunday, May 21, congregations across the country stood in solidarity with our Colombian brothers and sisters who have endured so much suffering, remembering the victims of Colombia's brutal coflict and praying for a peaceful future in Colombia. Then on Monday, May 22, they took collective action to ask that U.S. policy promote peace and justice in Colombia rather than military involvement and violence.

View flyer for Days of Prayer and Action (pdf)
Day of Action, May 22
Dias de oración y acción (pdf)
Más información en español (pdf)

Carta de la Vigilia en Bogotá: Letter to the U.S. Congress from Colombian communities of faith
Protestant Church Leaders pledge action for peace in Colombia: A 2005 statement from CEDECOL, The Life, Restoration and Peace Commission of the Colombian Council of Protestant Churches
The San Andres road map to peace: U.S. and Colombian protestant churches and the quest for peace in Colombia

Statement from the organizers (click here to see a list of sponsoring organizations and participating congregations):

"We come together to remember the victims of Colombia's brutal armed conflict, and to rejoice with the peacemakers. We stand in solidarity and join in prayer with the people of Colombia who creatively, courageously, and sacrificially struggle for justice and dignified life in the midst of impoverishment and enduring violence.

"We commit to working in our communities and with our elected officials to change our government's policies, which contribute to the violence and destruction our Colombian brothers and sisters describe as their daily bread. We commit to supporting new policies that contribute to peace, justice and sustainable development in the region."
 

Partnering for Peace: An International Conference on Colombia

Colombian & North American Communities in Solidarity
Chicago, October 21-23, 2005
International Conference Center
4750 N. Sheridan Road
Chicago, Illinois 60640

Join Us . . . As Colombian and North Americans meet to learn and share together, working to develop strategies for building lasting partnerships across our borders and constructing truly democratic paths to peace and justice.

Congress Debating U.S. Aid to Colombia

The Bush Administration wants to give Colombia another $750 million for 2006; $600 million of it - 80 percent - would go to Colombia's security forces. It is time to change this balance!

An amendment seeking to cut military aid to Colombia was defeated in the House of Representatives on June 28 by a 189-234 vote. The Senate approved its version of the bill in July.

A House-Senate Conference Committee will soon decide the differences between both houses' bills. What they decide will affect the balance between military and economic aid. It will also decide whether U.S. aid should pay for a process that lets paramilitary leaders avoid serious punishment for their crimes. If your congressperson or senator is on the committee that appropriates foreign aid, it is very important that you call his or her office and tell him or her to support the Senate version of the bill.

Peace Week / Semana por la Paz - September 11-18, 2005

Each year, Colombians struggling for peace in their country celebrate Semana Por La Paz, a Week for Peace. By observing Semana Por La Paz in the U.S. we stand in solidarity with Colombians who call for peace in their country.

Bush Administration "certifies" Colombia's human rights performance

Despite a lack of progress in the investigation of the San José de Apartadó massacre and several other cases, the State Department un-froze at least $70 million in military aid to Colombia on August 3. "This decision is a major blow to the promotion of human rights in Colombia," said Amnesty International.

Peace advocates across the United States held a successful series of non-violent protests of U.S. support for Colombia's military. View pictures of vigils held in cities throughout North America. More information...