ROME, SEPT. 19, 2002 (Zenit.org).- Peruvian bishops rejected the charges leveled last weekend against Cardinal Juan Luis Cipriani, archbishop of Lima, by a group of protesters at that capital’s cathedral.
In the message sent from Rome where they are on pilgrimage, 10 Peruvian bishops rejected «this type of demonstrations that profane holy places and celebrations of worship, offending the faith of the majority of our people.»
About 50 protesters spoke out against the cardinal in the courtyard of the Lima cathedral on Sunday. They also demanded the inclusion of abortion in the constitutional reform being debated in the Peruvian Parliament.
As Cardinal Cipriani was celebrating Mass, they also accused him of promoting impunity for members of the network of corruption established by Vladimiro Montesinos, a former presidential adviser.
«We call attention so that an end will be put to this type of demonstrations, which reflect the most elemental lack of respect for the rights of a person and for religious liberty,» the bishops said in their statement.
«Intolerance, insults, calumnies and lies will never be ways to reconcile this suffering Peru that we love,» they added.
The Lima-based Catholic agency Aciprensa reported that, when listening to his aggressors, Cardinal Cipriani said: «Christ is much more than those of us gathered here; therefore, in peace and firmness — because forgiveness does not imply weakness — we must continue to seek that truth that liberates and heals wounds.»
«This is the people of God and as I was saying, the cross divides humanity between those who love it and carry it in peace, and those who reject it and cry out against it with hatred,» the cardinal continued.
Cardinal Cipriani stressed the need to respect the Peruvian people’s Catholic faith. Referring to the protesters, he said: «I love you, I forgive you, I am happy that the Lord sees this, but at the same time I will awaken consciences.»
«Is it reasonable that a group of people attack the cathedral, the pastor of Lima, and the rest look on?» he asked. «Can we say that this is liberty, tolerance? Can we say that these are human rights, the right to insult?»
