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Semana por la Paz
The
Week for Peace in Colombia 2006:
Social Justice and Reconciliation
Fall
Days of Prayer and Action
October 1 & 2
Religious
Leaders Tour on Development and Peace
Speaking Tour October 4-11
The
injustice of forty years of war and the impoverishment, violence and hopelessness
it has inflicted upon the nation of Colombia has led many people to creatively
support a new vision for peace. 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.
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.
Our Colombian brothers and sisters invite us to join them this Fall in dedicating ourselves to reflection and action that promotes peace in Colombia , in our own lives, and throughout the world. Organizations, churches and others supporting the work for peace in Colombia have chosen the first days of October as the national day to join together for reflection and action for peace in Colombia.
How Colombians are celebrating Semana por la Paz
This year, Colombians celebrated Semana Por La Paz the week of September 3 - 10; in the U.S. we will celebrate in solidarity the week of October 1-8. In addition to our suggestions for events and actions, see what Colombians are up to! Our Colombian colleagues at Redepaz, or the Network for Peace, organize Semana Por La Paz.
Message from the Ecumenical Working Group (North America):
Dear Friends,
For the past several years, thousands of churches and people of faith in the U.S. and Colombia have come together to call for an end to the violence in Colombia. This Fall we are celebrating the Week for Peace in Colombia - Semana por la paz with various opportunities to pray and reach out for peace!
Fall Days of Prayer and Action: On Sunday, October 1 (Day of Prayer), congregations across the country will stand in solidarity with our Colombian brothers and sisters who have endured so much suffering, remembering the victims of Colombia's brutal conflict and praying for a peaceful future in Colombia. Then on Monday, October 2 (Day of Action), we will take collective action to ask that U.S. policy promote peace and justice in Colombia rather than military involvement and violence.
Religious
Leaders Tour on Development and Peace: Catholic and Mennonite representatives
leading this ecumenical effort will be visiting the Washington DC, Chicago,
and New York City, metropolitan areas between October
4-11. Consider attending a public event or inviting these representatives
to meet with your community.
Best
Wishes,
Colombia Ecumenical Working Group
Statement from the organizers:
"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."
(See complete list of co-sponsoring organizations)
Additional Resources
View
flyer for May 2006 Days of Prayer and Action (pdf)
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, May 2006