MEXICO CITY, NOV. 6, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Mexican prelates are decrying violence against migrants being cared for in Catholic institutions.
In a communiqué issued Wednesday, the Mexican episcopal conference expressed dismay at news of “constant threats, intimidation and aggression.” In particular, the facility “Belen, Posada del Migrante,” (Bethlehem, the Hostel for Migrants), in Saltillo, has been the venue for attacks.
The prelates urged authorities in the state of Coahuila to investigate and prosecute.
“We beg the authorities to adopt without delay effective measures of protection to guarantee the security of those who work in Belen, Posada del Migrante, and that the very important work be recognized of those who offer humanitarian aid to migrants,” read the communiqué, signed by the secretary-general of the conference, Bishop José González González of Guadalajara.
The prelates’ message goes on to denounce organized crime that victimizes Central American migrants passing through Mexico on the way to the United States or Canada.
“The Church which acts in the name of the supreme commandment of Jesus Christ — which consists in loving God and our neighbor, especially the poorest and neediest” — cannot let this opportunity go by to be in solidarity with migrants, Bishop González affirmed. He urged the protection of migrants’ rights as well as the rights of the persons who assist them.
“We have the responsibility to manifest the love that is condensed in the evangelical message,” the bishops’ message concluded, “and the genuine disciples of Christ recognize one another by their mutual love and by the acceptance of everyone.”
