Golpe de estado – eighth day
It’s been quite an eighth day for us here in Honduras.
In the early Church, the day of Christ’ resurrection was thought of as the eighth day, the day on which all is brought to completion. But Honduras did not see much resurrection today.
I got up a half hour later than usual, prayed, washed some clothes and then went to Mass.
Father Henry celebrated Mass this morning in the chapel of San Martín de Porres up the hill from my house in Santa Rosa. Padre Fausto had gone to Tegucigalpa to join the thousands protesting the coup.
Father Henry spoke very pointedly about the role of Christians as prophets. “Do you get mad because you hear denunciations of injustice?” he asked.
Vaguely referring to yesterday’s demonstration for peace and democracy in Santa Rosa’s central plaza, he asked “How can you ask for peace if you are full of hatred, of resentment?...How can you ask for peace if you do not go to church or if you don’t pay your employees a decent wage?”
Our role as a prophet, he concluded is to announce the good news of Jesus as well as denounce injustice.
It was a thoughtful homily – not as straight-forwardly political as Padre Fausto’s sometimes are, but it touched me.
Much of today has been spent talking with people, looking for information on the internet, and corresponding with people by e-mail. It has been a great consolation to receive notes from friends through e-mail or Facebook. It has been even more moving to receive notes from people I don’t know who have come across my blog and write – many times wishing me “Stay safe.” I feel as if I am experiencing some of the “globalization of solidarity” – something we in Honduras deeply need.
Today’s Dramas or Tragicomedies
Deposed president Zelaya was supposed to return today and thousands were gathered in Tegucigalpa to greet him at the airport. But the government closed all the airports and sent troops to control the crowds. There are reports of clashes and at least two deaths.
While waiting for news I turned on the radio (since I don’t have a television). About 2:00 pm, regular programming was interrupted. The de facto president Roberto Micheletti and some of his advisors had a press conference which was broadcast on all the tv and radio stations. They call it a cadena and is broadcast by the government. The first statement was that that Nicaraguan troops were massing toward the border with Honduras. When questioned about details, no number or place was given and it was finally acknowledged that there were “small groups of Nicaraguan troops.” The de facto president admitted that the troops could be acting without authorization of their commanders. But it was also called a "psychological invasion." From a friend I learned that CCN Español reported that Nicaragua denied the allegation the US has not detected the movement of Nicaraguan troops on the border!
This press conference was repeated again on a national broadcast at 4:25. Though most stations were running it, the local Catholic radio station announced that since it was a repeat they would continue with broadcasting religious music instead of the repeat broadcast. One small courageous act.
Surfing the radio dial on Radio America later, I heard another national rebroadcast of the Cardinal’s statement from yesterday with words from another religious leader.
This feels a lot like fear mongering.
I must mention that acting president Micheletti mentioned that he had sent a letter to the Organization of American States suggesting dialogue but when asked what would be the issue for the dialogue an aide gave an ambiguous reply. it was reported that a US official said it was unclear what was the purpose of the proposed dialogue. Dialogue would be good – but it needs to include a wide consultation.
About 5:00 pm I was listening to the Catholic Radio station which reported that Zelaya’s plane was circling the Tegcigalpa airport. This sounded a little strange at first because a government official had earlier reported that Zelaya had landed in El Salvador. But I listened, even as I read e-mail reports from some one in the Caribbean. I called the Franciscan sisters who lived down the street and went to watch the television coverage.
The plane was circling with Zelaya and Father Miguel D’Escoto, the Nicaraguan Maryknoll priest who is General Secretary of the General Assembly of the United Nations. Three army vehicles on the runway were joined by a helicopter, preventing the landing. Eventually the plane went on to Nicaragua as a fuelling point, before going to El Salvador to meet up with the presidents of Argentina, Paraguay, and Ecuador who were waiting for him there.
Zelaya is still outside the country, for better or worse. Many had advised Zelaya not to return. Some, like Cardinal Rodríguez of Tegucigalpa, feared a bloodbath and there were tens of thousands waiting for him. (One figure, from a leftist source, said a half million were there.) Some were concerned about the jubilant welcome these might have given him.
But the government had closed all the nations airport to prevent him from landing. It seems strange to me that if the government had an arrest warrant for him on multiple charges (some of them probably legitimate), why would they not arrange a way for him to land somewhere and then arrest him on the spot. Maybe they did try to negotiate this, but I have not heard any news.
A serio-comic aside: during an interview on the plane Zelaya quipped, "I'm doing everything I can. If I had a parachute I would immediately jump out of this plane." That would have been quite a sight!
So where are we now?
First of all I’m in my house since there is a 6:30 pm to 5:00 am curfew. Evening Masses were canceled in Santa Rosa and Gracias - and probably other places in the country. Even they keep this early curfew up many religious meetings - for example, my neighborhood base community - will have to be canceled or we take the risk to share our faith with our neighbors.
Who knows what the various parties in this conflict will do next? Will Zelaya try to re-enter tomorrow? What kind of dialogue will Michiletti really offer? Will the teachers and the government workers will continue their strike?
But the central question is whether real dialogue, including all parties and the poor of this country, and concern for the common good will have a chance?
---
A correction?
In yesterday’s blog I said that I saw 400 to 600 people at the demonstration in the square. What I hadn’t known is that there was a march through the streets before the demonstration. La Prensa reported there were 5,000 people – which sounds a little high. But I still maintain two concerns: Where did the money come from for all the t-shirts? But, more importantly, are these good people being manipulated by the right wing?
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Golpe de estado – the seventh day
I had hoped to rest – but I ended up fairly busy today – domestic chores, like shopping. Tomorrow, before Mass, I’ll do some wash (by hand, of course). and I'll try to get some rest.
What about the church?
Today, about 9:00 am, national radio and television channels were interrupted for a statement by Cardinal Oscar Rodríguez, archbishop of Tegucigalpa.
He first read a statement issued in the name of all the bishops of Honduras. The statement virtually accepts the new government as legitimate.
They call for dialogue, for solidarity, political participation, and social justice. They pointedly call on the Organization of American States to take account of illegal actions before Zelaya was removed from office and to condemn the warlike threats against Honduras.
In speaking to the international community they take a very strong stand for national sovereignty: “we declare the right we have to define our own destiny without unilateral pressure of any sort, seeking solutions which promote the good of all. – We reject threats of force or blockades of any sort which only make the poorest suffer.”
They end by call for embarking on a new path of dialogue, consensus, and reconciliation and for intensifying prayer and fasting.
The statement is quite different in tone and style than the rather prophetic statement released on Thursday by the diocese of Santa Rosa de Copán, which was very critical of the coup.
After reading the statement agreed to by the 11 bishops of Honduras Cardinal Rodríguez added his own remarks. Most notably he asked President Mel Zelaya not to return to the country to prevent a bloodshed.
A demonstration for peace and democracy.
This morning there was a demonstration for peace and democracy in the Plaza Libertad here in Santa Rosa. This demonstration was one of many with the same theme being held throughout the country. There were probably between 400 and 600 people filled about half the street by the park. It was hard to get an accurate count because since so many were wandering through the park. But it was fairly easy to spot them. They all wore white shirts. Many had white shirts emblazoned “peace and liberty” with “I {heart} Honduras” on the back. (I saw no one selling them and so I guess the sponsors were providing people with them.)
As I walked toward the demonstration, I ran into a former politician I vaguely know. He’s one person whom I would call nearly incorruptible who has bravely stood up for his stance. He’s no fan of deposed President Mel Zelaya - nor of the interim president Roberto Micheletti. He mentioned that he wasn’t going to the demonstration; he believed that many had come with good will, but he was concerned that these demonstrations were being used by the right wing. A neighbor also told me she stayed away for the same reason.
I think he might be right. As I approached the square I heard one speaker, the president of a local bank, strongly criticizing Zelaya. Some other speakers were very general in their remarks, though others made it plain that they supported the coup and the interim government. There was a very strong nationalist sentiment, that didn’t want anyone interfering in Honduras’ affairs. The issue of national sovereignty is definitely a strong theme being advocated in these demonstrations. To a small nation this is a theme that can appeal to people’s deeply felt concerns. But such nationalism can be very problematic.
The banners and the signs were mostly very innocuous – peace and democracy, but there were a few that were fairly pointed. One, in English, read, literally, “International Comunity to respect the Honduran determination.” another is Spanish said, “OAS [Organization of American States], better sanction than to live in prison. NO to Communism.”
The latter refers to the visit yesterday of the OAS Secretary General, José Miguel Insulza, with an ultimatum for the reinstatement of Zelaya as president; if not Honduras would face removal from the OAS. He spoke to the Supreme Court and others, but there was no movement.
The OAS was to meet today to decide whether to expel Honduras. But, to beat the OAS to the punch, the interim government declared that it was pulling out of the OAS on its own. The response was that since the government was not recognized by the OAS it couldn’t withdraw.
It’s a shame that there were not efforts to try to break down the barriers which seem to be becoming more fixed and immovable.
A test will come soon. Today Mel Zelaya was supposed to return and there are many of his supported gathered in Tegucigalpa to welcome him back. On the other hand, the present government is threatening to arrest him when he returns. He has put his return off until tomorrow. We shall see what happens.
In the meantime, the government extended the 10 pm to 5 am curfew until Tuesday morning.
And so, I am continuing to try to get what information I can and to listen to people I trust.
Final thoughts
One thing is becoming clearer to me, that might not be apparent to people outside Honduras. This is a land plagued by corruption, plagued by a great breech between the few rich and the many poor, and by a bipartisan political system that serves to keep the poor in misery because many politicians are in it for personal gain and power, worshipping the gods of “power and wealth.”
I also feel very firmly that people need to be brought to justice, not just Zelaya and Micheletti who also has a somewhat murky history, but also those members of the economic and political power elite that deceive the people and try to keep the poor from having a real say in society.
The coup, I fear, will not bring democracy to Honduras, nor would the poll have done it. Major structural changes are needed as well as major empowerment of people in their villages and neighborhood. It’s a long struggle – but I hope to see some steps in that direction. I intend to stay here and try to help, as long as I am able and as long as God wants me here.
Pray for us.
“On the seventh day, God rested”
More accurately, Genesis 2: 2-3 reads
“Since on the seventh day God was finished with the work he had been doing, he rested on the seventh day from all the work he had undertaken. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work he had done in creation.”
More accurately, Genesis 2: 2-3 reads
“Since on the seventh day God was finished with the work he had been doing, he rested on the seventh day from all the work he had undertaken. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work he had done in creation.”
I had hoped to rest – but I ended up fairly busy today – domestic chores, like shopping. Tomorrow, before Mass, I’ll do some wash (by hand, of course). and I'll try to get some rest.
What about the church?
Today, about 9:00 am, national radio and television channels were interrupted for a statement by Cardinal Oscar Rodríguez, archbishop of Tegucigalpa.
He first read a statement issued in the name of all the bishops of Honduras. The statement virtually accepts the new government as legitimate.
“Each and every one of the documents which have come into our hands show that the institutions of the Honduran democratic state are valid and that what it has executed in juridical-legal matters has been rooted in law. – The three powers of the State – Executive, Legislative, and Judicial – are legally and democratically valid in accord with the Constitution of the Republic of Honduras.”In the statement, the bishops do raise questions about the forced expatriation of President Zelaya and they reiterate their statement of June 19 that “all of us are, to a greater or lesser extent, responsible for a situation of social injustice.”
They call for dialogue, for solidarity, political participation, and social justice. They pointedly call on the Organization of American States to take account of illegal actions before Zelaya was removed from office and to condemn the warlike threats against Honduras.
In speaking to the international community they take a very strong stand for national sovereignty: “we declare the right we have to define our own destiny without unilateral pressure of any sort, seeking solutions which promote the good of all. – We reject threats of force or blockades of any sort which only make the poorest suffer.”
They end by call for embarking on a new path of dialogue, consensus, and reconciliation and for intensifying prayer and fasting.
The statement is quite different in tone and style than the rather prophetic statement released on Thursday by the diocese of Santa Rosa de Copán, which was very critical of the coup.
After reading the statement agreed to by the 11 bishops of Honduras Cardinal Rodríguez added his own remarks. Most notably he asked President Mel Zelaya not to return to the country to prevent a bloodshed.
A demonstration for peace and democracy.
This morning there was a demonstration for peace and democracy in the Plaza Libertad here in Santa Rosa. This demonstration was one of many with the same theme being held throughout the country. There were probably between 400 and 600 people filled about half the street by the park. It was hard to get an accurate count because since so many were wandering through the park. But it was fairly easy to spot them. They all wore white shirts. Many had white shirts emblazoned “peace and liberty” with “I {heart} Honduras” on the back. (I saw no one selling them and so I guess the sponsors were providing people with them.)As I walked toward the demonstration, I ran into a former politician I vaguely know. He’s one person whom I would call nearly incorruptible who has bravely stood up for his stance. He’s no fan of deposed President Mel Zelaya - nor of the interim president Roberto Micheletti. He mentioned that he wasn’t going to the demonstration; he believed that many had come with good will, but he was concerned that these demonstrations were being used by the right wing. A neighbor also told me she stayed away for the same reason.
I think he might be right. As I approached the square I heard one speaker, the president of a local bank, strongly criticizing Zelaya. Some other speakers were very general in their remarks, though others made it plain that they supported the coup and the interim government. There was a very strong nationalist sentiment, that didn’t want anyone interfering in Honduras’ affairs. The issue of national sovereignty is definitely a strong theme being advocated in these demonstrations. To a small nation this is a theme that can appeal to people’s deeply felt concerns. But such nationalism can be very problematic.
The banners and the signs were mostly very innocuous – peace and democracy, but there were a few that were fairly pointed. One, in English, read, literally, “International Comunity to respect the Honduran determination.” another is Spanish said, “OAS [Organization of American States], better sanction than to live in prison. NO to Communism.”
The latter refers to the visit yesterday of the OAS Secretary General, José Miguel Insulza, with an ultimatum for the reinstatement of Zelaya as president; if not Honduras would face removal from the OAS. He spoke to the Supreme Court and others, but there was no movement.
The OAS was to meet today to decide whether to expel Honduras. But, to beat the OAS to the punch, the interim government declared that it was pulling out of the OAS on its own. The response was that since the government was not recognized by the OAS it couldn’t withdraw.
It’s a shame that there were not efforts to try to break down the barriers which seem to be becoming more fixed and immovable.
A test will come soon. Today Mel Zelaya was supposed to return and there are many of his supported gathered in Tegucigalpa to welcome him back. On the other hand, the present government is threatening to arrest him when he returns. He has put his return off until tomorrow. We shall see what happens.
In the meantime, the government extended the 10 pm to 5 am curfew until Tuesday morning.
And so, I am continuing to try to get what information I can and to listen to people I trust.
Final thoughts
One thing is becoming clearer to me, that might not be apparent to people outside Honduras. This is a land plagued by corruption, plagued by a great breech between the few rich and the many poor, and by a bipartisan political system that serves to keep the poor in misery because many politicians are in it for personal gain and power, worshipping the gods of “power and wealth.”
I also feel very firmly that people need to be brought to justice, not just Zelaya and Micheletti who also has a somewhat murky history, but also those members of the economic and political power elite that deceive the people and try to keep the poor from having a real say in society.
The coup, I fear, will not bring democracy to Honduras, nor would the poll have done it. Major structural changes are needed as well as major empowerment of people in their villages and neighborhood. It’s a long struggle – but I hope to see some steps in that direction. I intend to stay here and try to help, as long as I am able and as long as God wants me here.
Pray for us.
HONDURAN BISHOPS CONFERENCE STATEMENT
This statement of the Honduran Bishops Conference, dated July 3, 2009, was read on national television in Honduras, by Cardinal Oscar Rodríguez Maradiaga, SDB, in the morning of July 4, 2009.
1. Scarcely three weeks ago, in the Plenary Assembly of this Bishops’ Conference, we clearly stated that social justice, dialogue and consultation within the framework of the law are needs that our people ought to recognize and respect.
2. In the face of the situation of the last few days, we refer to the information which we have sought in the appropriate public records of the State (the Supreme Court of Justice, the National Congress, the Public Ministry, the Executive Power [Branch], the Supreme Electoral Tribunal) and many organizations of civil society. – Each and every one of the documents which have come into our hands show that the institutions of the Honduran democratic state are valid and that what it has executed in juridical-legal matters has been rooted in law. – The three powers of the State – Executive, Legislative, and Judicial – are legally and democratically valid in accord with the Constitution of the Republic of Honduras.
3. The Constitution of the Republic and the country’s administrative organs of justice lead us to conclude that:
a. In accord with what is considered in Article 239 of the Constitution of the Republic “Whoever proposes the reform” of this article “immediately ceases to hold his post and remains disqualified for ten years for any public function.” Therefore, the person sought, when he was captured, no longer held the position of President of the Republic.
b. Dated June 26, 2009, the Supreme Court of Justice, unanimously named an already sitting judge who issued an arrest warrant for the citizen President of the Republic of Honduras, who was supposedly responsible for the crimes of: AGAINST THE FORM OF GOVERNMENT, TREASON AGAINST THE FATHERLAND, ABUSE OF AUTHORITY AND USURPING OF FUNCTIONS to the detriment of the Civil Administration and the State of Honduras, the former stemming from the Legal Summons presented by the Public Ministry.
To learn from errors in order to correct them in the future
4. “No Honduran can be expatriated no handed over to a foreign State” (Art. 102, Constitution of the Republic). – We believe that we all merit an explanation of what happened on June 28.
5. On June 19 we said that all of us are, to a greater or lesser extent, responsible for a situation of social injustice. – Nevertheless we continue to believe that Honduras has been and wishes to be a people of brothers [and sisters], living united in justice and peace.
a. Therefore it is necessary that we choose decidedly to listen to the opinions of others in such a way that a true dialogue can be initiated among all the sector of society, so that it can arrive a constructive solutions.
b. It is fundamental to respect the calendar of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal what guarantees elections in the coming month of November.
c. It is necessary to globalize solidarity as a way that can help us overcome injustice and inequality. – The international community, with adequate information about our country’s situation can contribute to these proposals.
6. We make a special appeal
a. to those who have or have held [roles of] leadership in their hands: we invite them to not let themselves be led by egoisms, vengeance, persecution, violence, and corruption. – One should always seek ways of understanding and reconciliation, beyond the interests of parties or group.
b. to the social, economic and political groups: we urge them to overcome emotional reactions and to seek the truth. – Now more than ever social communicators ought to express their love of Honduras, seeking the establishment of peace and the serenity of the people, leaving aside personal attacks and seeking the common good.
c. To the population in general: we invite you to continue in an atmosphere of respectful and responsible participation, understanding that we all can construct a Honduras with more justice and solidarity with honest work.
d. to the Organization of American States: we ask that you pay attention to all the was happening outside the law in Honduras and not only what happened starting on June 28. The Honduras people are also asking why the warlike threats against our country have not been condemned. – If the interamerican system is limited to protecting the system of ballot boxes but not to monitoring good governing and the prevention of political, economic, and social crises, a belated reaction in the face of these will be worth nothing
e. to the international community: we declare the right we have to define our own destiny without unilateral pressure of any sort, seeking solutions which promote the good of all. – We reject threats of force or blockades of any sort which only make the poorest suffer.
f. We deeply thank our brothers and sisters from many countries who with their gestures of solidarity, supporting and being at our side, provide us with horizons of hope in contrast to the threatening attitude of some governments.
7. The present situation can serve to build and to embark on a new path, a new Honduras. – The confrontation which it is living ought not to serve to heighten the violence but [it ought to serve] as a new starting point for dialogue, consensus and reconciliation to strengthen us as the Honduran family, so that we can embark on a path of integral development for all Honduras.
8. We exhort the faithful to intensify their prayer and fasting in solidarity so that justice and peace may reign.
Tegucigalpa, July 3, 2009
Signed by the eleven bishops of the Catholic Church of Honduras.
Translated by John Donaghy, based on the text provided in La Prensa on line, http://www.laprensahn.com/Ediciones/2009/07/04/Noticias/Un-regreso-al-pais-en-este-momento-podria-desatar-un-bano-de-sangre
You might also want to read the statement of the diocese of Santa Rosa de Copán, Honduras, translated at http://hermanojuancito.blogspot.com/2009/07/message-of-diocese-of-santa-rosa-de.html
This statement of the Honduran Bishops Conference, dated July 3, 2009, was read on national television in Honduras, by Cardinal Oscar Rodríguez Maradiaga, SDB, in the morning of July 4, 2009.
“Building from crisis”
1. Scarcely three weeks ago, in the Plenary Assembly of this Bishops’ Conference, we clearly stated that social justice, dialogue and consultation within the framework of the law are needs that our people ought to recognize and respect.
2. In the face of the situation of the last few days, we refer to the information which we have sought in the appropriate public records of the State (the Supreme Court of Justice, the National Congress, the Public Ministry, the Executive Power [Branch], the Supreme Electoral Tribunal) and many organizations of civil society. – Each and every one of the documents which have come into our hands show that the institutions of the Honduran democratic state are valid and that what it has executed in juridical-legal matters has been rooted in law. – The three powers of the State – Executive, Legislative, and Judicial – are legally and democratically valid in accord with the Constitution of the Republic of Honduras.
3. The Constitution of the Republic and the country’s administrative organs of justice lead us to conclude that:
a. In accord with what is considered in Article 239 of the Constitution of the Republic “Whoever proposes the reform” of this article “immediately ceases to hold his post and remains disqualified for ten years for any public function.” Therefore, the person sought, when he was captured, no longer held the position of President of the Republic.
b. Dated June 26, 2009, the Supreme Court of Justice, unanimously named an already sitting judge who issued an arrest warrant for the citizen President of the Republic of Honduras, who was supposedly responsible for the crimes of: AGAINST THE FORM OF GOVERNMENT, TREASON AGAINST THE FATHERLAND, ABUSE OF AUTHORITY AND USURPING OF FUNCTIONS to the detriment of the Civil Administration and the State of Honduras, the former stemming from the Legal Summons presented by the Public Ministry.
To learn from errors in order to correct them in the future
4. “No Honduran can be expatriated no handed over to a foreign State” (Art. 102, Constitution of the Republic). – We believe that we all merit an explanation of what happened on June 28.
5. On June 19 we said that all of us are, to a greater or lesser extent, responsible for a situation of social injustice. – Nevertheless we continue to believe that Honduras has been and wishes to be a people of brothers [and sisters], living united in justice and peace.
a. Therefore it is necessary that we choose decidedly to listen to the opinions of others in such a way that a true dialogue can be initiated among all the sector of society, so that it can arrive a constructive solutions.
b. It is fundamental to respect the calendar of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal what guarantees elections in the coming month of November.
c. It is necessary to globalize solidarity as a way that can help us overcome injustice and inequality. – The international community, with adequate information about our country’s situation can contribute to these proposals.
6. We make a special appeal
a. to those who have or have held [roles of] leadership in their hands: we invite them to not let themselves be led by egoisms, vengeance, persecution, violence, and corruption. – One should always seek ways of understanding and reconciliation, beyond the interests of parties or group.
b. to the social, economic and political groups: we urge them to overcome emotional reactions and to seek the truth. – Now more than ever social communicators ought to express their love of Honduras, seeking the establishment of peace and the serenity of the people, leaving aside personal attacks and seeking the common good.
c. To the population in general: we invite you to continue in an atmosphere of respectful and responsible participation, understanding that we all can construct a Honduras with more justice and solidarity with honest work.
d. to the Organization of American States: we ask that you pay attention to all the was happening outside the law in Honduras and not only what happened starting on June 28. The Honduras people are also asking why the warlike threats against our country have not been condemned. – If the interamerican system is limited to protecting the system of ballot boxes but not to monitoring good governing and the prevention of political, economic, and social crises, a belated reaction in the face of these will be worth nothing
e. to the international community: we declare the right we have to define our own destiny without unilateral pressure of any sort, seeking solutions which promote the good of all. – We reject threats of force or blockades of any sort which only make the poorest suffer.
f. We deeply thank our brothers and sisters from many countries who with their gestures of solidarity, supporting and being at our side, provide us with horizons of hope in contrast to the threatening attitude of some governments.
7. The present situation can serve to build and to embark on a new path, a new Honduras. – The confrontation which it is living ought not to serve to heighten the violence but [it ought to serve] as a new starting point for dialogue, consensus and reconciliation to strengthen us as the Honduran family, so that we can embark on a path of integral development for all Honduras.
8. We exhort the faithful to intensify their prayer and fasting in solidarity so that justice and peace may reign.
Tegucigalpa, July 3, 2009
Signed by the eleven bishops of the Catholic Church of Honduras.
Translated by John Donaghy, based on the text provided in La Prensa on line, http://www.laprensahn.com/Ediciones/2009/07/04/Noticias/Un-regreso-al-pais-en-este-momento-podria-desatar-un-bano-de-sangre
You might also want to read the statement of the diocese of Santa Rosa de Copán, Honduras, translated at http://hermanojuancito.blogspot.com/2009/07/message-of-diocese-of-santa-rosa-de.html
Friday, July 03, 2009
Golpe de estado – the sixth day
There’s a numbers game going around.
The anti-coup forces are claiming that 50 thousand people were demonstrating in various cities in the country: 30,000 in Tegucigalpa, thousands more in San Pedo Sula, Comayagua, and Progreso. Some of their demonstrations have turned violent, especially in San Pedro Sula, but some have been violently broken up by police or military forces.
The pro-coup forces are claiming 70,000 or more in their demonstration in Tegucigalpa and tens of thousands in San Pedro Sula, Choluteca, and other cities. Often the speakers are local businessmen and politicians. They typically are protected by police and are peaceful.
But I continue to be concerned about the polarization that I read about as well as the demonization of opponents. There's a real lack of reflection. For example, someone I know wrote about the euphoria of the moment that he connected with the pro-coup demonstrations. But what I feel here among the people I know is mostly fear and concern. When I noted that, he agreed.
Tomorrow
Tomorrow a group, organized, I believe, with the municipal authorities, is supposed to have a march for peace and democracy here in Santa Rosa. My guess is it might be pro-coup. The church is not officially participating.
Tomorrow promised to be a very tense day. President Zelaya was supposed to return to Hondurason Thursday, but he changed it to Sunday. The interim president Micheletti notes that he will be arrested. The secretary general of the Organization of American States has been in Tegucigalpa but it appears that nothing has come of his visit. According to one report Guatemalan Nobel Laureate Rigoberta Menchú has arrived in Honduras – on a peace mission, I hope.
The US raised its level of pressure by putting much of its aid to Honduras on hold. The US aid this year and next was to be about 95 million dollars. But some of this is on hold.
The US is still not calling what happened a coup, even as it refuses to acknowledge Michelleti as president. If the US determines that it is a coup ALL aid will have to be stopped and Peace Corps volunteers will have to leave the country. (Interesting fact: Honduras has the second largest Peace Corps contingent in the world; only the Ukraine has more Peace Corps volunteers.)
Again, I must apologize for a disorganized blog entry. Today I have not had time to really reflect on the situation or even read the articles I was downloading. I have mostly been sending the Santa Rosa diocesan message (see entry from yesterday) to as many sources as possible. I will probably continue to do this much of the weekend at the urging of Father Efraín Romero, director of Caritas.
Ah, the weekend. I hope to take time this weekend for prayer, reflection, and catching up on reading. I will try to share with you the fruits of my reflection.
Keep us in prayer.
There’s a numbers game going around.
The anti-coup forces are claiming that 50 thousand people were demonstrating in various cities in the country: 30,000 in Tegucigalpa, thousands more in San Pedo Sula, Comayagua, and Progreso. Some of their demonstrations have turned violent, especially in San Pedro Sula, but some have been violently broken up by police or military forces.
The pro-coup forces are claiming 70,000 or more in their demonstration in Tegucigalpa and tens of thousands in San Pedro Sula, Choluteca, and other cities. Often the speakers are local businessmen and politicians. They typically are protected by police and are peaceful.
But I continue to be concerned about the polarization that I read about as well as the demonization of opponents. There's a real lack of reflection. For example, someone I know wrote about the euphoria of the moment that he connected with the pro-coup demonstrations. But what I feel here among the people I know is mostly fear and concern. When I noted that, he agreed.
Tomorrow
Tomorrow a group, organized, I believe, with the municipal authorities, is supposed to have a march for peace and democracy here in Santa Rosa. My guess is it might be pro-coup. The church is not officially participating.
Tomorrow promised to be a very tense day. President Zelaya was supposed to return to Hondurason Thursday, but he changed it to Sunday. The interim president Micheletti notes that he will be arrested. The secretary general of the Organization of American States has been in Tegucigalpa but it appears that nothing has come of his visit. According to one report Guatemalan Nobel Laureate Rigoberta Menchú has arrived in Honduras – on a peace mission, I hope.
The US raised its level of pressure by putting much of its aid to Honduras on hold. The US aid this year and next was to be about 95 million dollars. But some of this is on hold.
The US is still not calling what happened a coup, even as it refuses to acknowledge Michelleti as president. If the US determines that it is a coup ALL aid will have to be stopped and Peace Corps volunteers will have to leave the country. (Interesting fact: Honduras has the second largest Peace Corps contingent in the world; only the Ukraine has more Peace Corps volunteers.)
Again, I must apologize for a disorganized blog entry. Today I have not had time to really reflect on the situation or even read the articles I was downloading. I have mostly been sending the Santa Rosa diocesan message (see entry from yesterday) to as many sources as possible. I will probably continue to do this much of the weekend at the urging of Father Efraín Romero, director of Caritas.
Ah, the weekend. I hope to take time this weekend for prayer, reflection, and catching up on reading. I will try to share with you the fruits of my reflection.
Keep us in prayer.
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Golpe de estado – day five
Five days. Lots of uncertainty and ambiguity but it’s still tranquil here in Santa Rosa de Copán. Last night and tonight there’s a curfew from 10 pm to 5 am. But there is tension in the air.
But it could have been worse. Today deposed President Mel Zelaya was to return to Honduras but – prudently, I think – put his return off to the weekend. There are news stories of groups trying to find a peaceful solution.
The repression deepens
Though I have not personally seen repression, I’ve managed to ferret out a few stories. The most striking is from Catholic News Service about Father Andres Tamayo, an environmental activist in Olancho. On June 29, he and hundreds were on their way to Tegucigalpa to reinforce the anti-coup supporters when military shot out the tires of their buses. They decided to block the highway. About 2 am on July 1 soldiers came and starting beating the demonstrators. He was hidden by his supporters and taken away to safety.
There are reports of a large number of arrests of people who speak out against the government. I have also read of the use of force against anti-coup demonstrators in San Pedro Sula and other places.
Human Rights Watch has written a letter to the Secretary General of the Organization of American States:
But at last we are beginning to hear strong statements from the Catholic Church in Honduras, especially critical of the interim government of Micheletti.
Yesterday a bulletin from Caritas Honduras, the national office of the Catholic Church’s social development agency, stated that a coup will not resolve Honduras’ problems and was also quite strong in its critique of congress. It described them as “persistent [permanente] violators of the Constitution who were converted overnight into its defenders and promoters of democracy.” Its description of acting president Roberto Micheletti were no less flattering: “…[as president of Congress, he] directed it in an anti-democratic and authoritarian manner and … has had confrontations with various social sectors.”
These statements should be read in the light of other strong statements against the policies of President Mel Zelaya by the director of Caritas Honduras and the persistent disapproval of the bishops of the manner in which he was planning to consult the people.
Today, Monseñor Luis Alfonso Santos, SDB, bishop of Santa Rosa de Copán, Honduras, ordained several men as transitional deacons in the cathedral. At the end of Mass the bishop read a long-awaited statement on the present crisis which was the result of the work of the bishops and his priests who had been meeting. The statement was interrupted as several times by the applause of the congregation. After the bishop finished, Father Rudy Mejía, pastoral vicar of the diocese, noted that the statement has the support of the priests as well as the diocesan pastoral council. It was written during a meeting of the bishop with the priests and a meeting with the diocesan pastoral council.
The message identifies the persistent social inequality as the cause of the current crisis. It decries the restrictions on rights that Congress passed yesterday as well as the violations of human rights, including illegal detentions.
In a very pointed paragraph the bishop and his priests and pastoral council call upon the members of Congress who voted in the Micheletti government:
I got the text of the message at about 4 pm. I immediately started translating it and sending it out to as many people and groups as I can. I have posted my translation of the whole message below. Read it and send it on to friends and law makers.
We want peace – but a real peace. That peace will only come through major changes in this society that attack the causes of unrest – injustice, a massive gap between rich and poor, corruption, self-serving politicians (in all parties), lack of political participation, and a lack of respect shown for the campesinos.
Pray and work with us for a just Honduras.
Five days. Lots of uncertainty and ambiguity but it’s still tranquil here in Santa Rosa de Copán. Last night and tonight there’s a curfew from 10 pm to 5 am. But there is tension in the air.
But it could have been worse. Today deposed President Mel Zelaya was to return to Honduras but – prudently, I think – put his return off to the weekend. There are news stories of groups trying to find a peaceful solution.
The repression deepens
Though I have not personally seen repression, I’ve managed to ferret out a few stories. The most striking is from Catholic News Service about Father Andres Tamayo, an environmental activist in Olancho. On June 29, he and hundreds were on their way to Tegucigalpa to reinforce the anti-coup supporters when military shot out the tires of their buses. They decided to block the highway. About 2 am on July 1 soldiers came and starting beating the demonstrators. He was hidden by his supporters and taken away to safety.
There are reports of a large number of arrests of people who speak out against the government. I have also read of the use of force against anti-coup demonstrators in San Pedro Sula and other places.
Human Rights Watch has written a letter to the Secretary General of the Organization of American States:
I am writing to share with you our concerns regarding credible reports that we have received of serious abuses committed by Honduran security forces since the coup d'état on June 28. These include the excessive use of force, arbitrary detentions, and acts of censorship. We are also very concerned by the emergency decree approved by the Honduran Congress yesterday that suspends fundamental rights and could provide a pretext for further abuses in the coming days.The Church speaks
But at last we are beginning to hear strong statements from the Catholic Church in Honduras, especially critical of the interim government of Micheletti.
Yesterday a bulletin from Caritas Honduras, the national office of the Catholic Church’s social development agency, stated that a coup will not resolve Honduras’ problems and was also quite strong in its critique of congress. It described them as “persistent [permanente] violators of the Constitution who were converted overnight into its defenders and promoters of democracy.” Its description of acting president Roberto Micheletti were no less flattering: “…[as president of Congress, he] directed it in an anti-democratic and authoritarian manner and … has had confrontations with various social sectors.”
These statements should be read in the light of other strong statements against the policies of President Mel Zelaya by the director of Caritas Honduras and the persistent disapproval of the bishops of the manner in which he was planning to consult the people.
Today, Monseñor Luis Alfonso Santos, SDB, bishop of Santa Rosa de Copán, Honduras, ordained several men as transitional deacons in the cathedral. At the end of Mass the bishop read a long-awaited statement on the present crisis which was the result of the work of the bishops and his priests who had been meeting. The statement was interrupted as several times by the applause of the congregation. After the bishop finished, Father Rudy Mejía, pastoral vicar of the diocese, noted that the statement has the support of the priests as well as the diocesan pastoral council. It was written during a meeting of the bishop with the priests and a meeting with the diocesan pastoral council.The message identifies the persistent social inequality as the cause of the current crisis. It decries the restrictions on rights that Congress passed yesterday as well as the violations of human rights, including illegal detentions.
In a very pointed paragraph the bishop and his priests and pastoral council call upon the members of Congress who voted in the Micheletti government:
As the Catholic Church on pilgrimage in the West of Honduras we want to remind the 124 [congressional] deputies of the Liberal Party and the National Party responsible for the Coup d’Etat and presently in power that they are not the owners/masters of Honduras and that no one can be above the law. The present deputies ought to remember that they get their salaries from the people whom they are oppressing. If the plebiscite and referendum had been given institutional status [regulated], as we the bishops of the Honduran Bishops Conference suggested in our communication of June 19, we would not be in this situation. They [the deputies] preferred to be faithful to the economically strong groups, both national and transnational. We hope that in the next elections the People will give them a vote of punishment.In very passionate words they call for peace and the end of lies, injustice, and repression:
We Hondurans want PEACE.As I listened to Bishop Santos reading the message over the diocesan radio I was proud to be here, proud to be able to help. But I also realize that such prophetic words may bring suffering upon the bishop and those who work with him.
No more lies. We want to be told the truth. No more injustice. We want respect for the integrity of the person and respect for human rights. We want to live in freedom. We do not want repression.
The call of Jesus is to live in love. Therefore, no more hatred, no more revenge, no more violence, no more spitefulness.
I got the text of the message at about 4 pm. I immediately started translating it and sending it out to as many people and groups as I can. I have posted my translation of the whole message below. Read it and send it on to friends and law makers.
We want peace – but a real peace. That peace will only come through major changes in this society that attack the causes of unrest – injustice, a massive gap between rich and poor, corruption, self-serving politicians (in all parties), lack of political participation, and a lack of respect shown for the campesinos.
Pray and work with us for a just Honduras.
Message of the Diocese of Santa Rosa de Copán
The diocese of Santa Rosa de Copán, faithful to the mission of announcing the Kingdom of God and of denouncing situations of injustice, asks all Hondurans to take profound efforts to re-establish social peace.
We, the great majority of Hondurans, do no want confrontations in the streets, civil wars, or wars with other peoples.
Therefore we ask the groups who have altered the public order to put all the good will they have into resolving by means of Dialogue the present crisis which has been produced by the social inequality in which we have always lived.
As those who are responsible for guiding the Catholic Church in Western Honduras, we repudiate the substance, the form, and the style with which a new Head of the Executive Branch has been imposed on the People. If President José Manuel Zelaya Rosales had committed something illegal he has the right to a just trial just like every Honduran citizen and in general every human being. Article 84 of the current Constitution says in its text, “No one can be arrested unless by virtue of a written command of the Competent Authority.”
The coup d’etat of June 28 has these consequences: protests of the citizenry in the streets and highways, a climate of insecurity and fear in families because of the limitation of constitutional rights, including:
The right to freedom of movement, freedom of association and to demonstrate, inviolability of one’s home, the right of private property, freedom of the press and of dissemination of ideas and opinions, personal freedom, including the right not to be detained administratively in a police station for more than 24 hours and [the right to] a limit of six days of investigative detention under judicial orders, which would lead to indefinite detentions. All this mentioned above is contained in the Decree about the “State of Exception” which was being drawn up yesterday, July 1, in the National Congress. With this we are coming near to a massive violation of human rights. In regard to this we especially repudiate:
We wish to remind everyone, especially the Armed Forces and the National Police, of the fifth commandment which says” “You shall not kill” (Exodus 20:13). This commandment forbids also beating, wounding, and all abuse of human beings who are created in the image and likeness of God and who are Temples of the Holy Spirit.
We regret every violation of the Constitution of the Republic which those who have governed us have been doing up to now. We reject every threat and meddling of foreign nations in the internal affairs of Honduras.
We Hondurans want PEACE.
No more lies. We want to be told the truth. No more injustice. We want respect for the integrity of the person and respect for human rights. We want to live in freedom. We do not want repression.
The call of Jesus is to live in love. Therefore, no more hatred, no more revenge, no more violence, no more spitefulness.
Jesus says in Mark 4:40, “Why do you have so much fear? How is it that you do not believe?” Inspired by these words of Jesus we invite all of you to trust in the merciful and saving presence of the Lord who accompanies us in our pilgrimage.
Let us intensify our prayer for Honduras.
Let us beg the Lord to grant that we may achieve Peace and prosperity and let us ask our patron, Saint Rose of Lima, to intercede for us.
This message was delivered publicly by Monseñor Luis Alfonso Santos, SDB, in the cathedral of Santa Rosa de Copán, Honduras, on Thursday, July 2, 2009, at 12:30 pm.
The diocese of Santa Rosa de Copán, faithful to the mission of announcing the Kingdom of God and of denouncing situations of injustice, asks all Hondurans to take profound efforts to re-establish social peace.
We, the great majority of Hondurans, do no want confrontations in the streets, civil wars, or wars with other peoples.
Therefore we ask the groups who have altered the public order to put all the good will they have into resolving by means of Dialogue the present crisis which has been produced by the social inequality in which we have always lived.
As those who are responsible for guiding the Catholic Church in Western Honduras, we repudiate the substance, the form, and the style with which a new Head of the Executive Branch has been imposed on the People. If President José Manuel Zelaya Rosales had committed something illegal he has the right to a just trial just like every Honduran citizen and in general every human being. Article 84 of the current Constitution says in its text, “No one can be arrested unless by virtue of a written command of the Competent Authority.”
The coup d’etat of June 28 has these consequences: protests of the citizenry in the streets and highways, a climate of insecurity and fear in families because of the limitation of constitutional rights, including:
The right to freedom of movement, freedom of association and to demonstrate, inviolability of one’s home, the right of private property, freedom of the press and of dissemination of ideas and opinions, personal freedom, including the right not to be detained administratively in a police station for more than 24 hours and [the right to] a limit of six days of investigative detention under judicial orders, which would lead to indefinite detentions. All this mentioned above is contained in the Decree about the “State of Exception” which was being drawn up yesterday, July 1, in the National Congress. With this we are coming near to a massive violation of human rights. In regard to this we especially repudiate:
- The violent manner in which Radio Progreso and other means of communication were silenced.
- Illegal detentions.
- The exiling of some countrymen/women.
- The bloody beatings and wounds.
We wish to remind everyone, especially the Armed Forces and the National Police, of the fifth commandment which says” “You shall not kill” (Exodus 20:13). This commandment forbids also beating, wounding, and all abuse of human beings who are created in the image and likeness of God and who are Temples of the Holy Spirit.
We regret every violation of the Constitution of the Republic which those who have governed us have been doing up to now. We reject every threat and meddling of foreign nations in the internal affairs of Honduras.
We Hondurans want PEACE.
No more lies. We want to be told the truth. No more injustice. We want respect for the integrity of the person and respect for human rights. We want to live in freedom. We do not want repression.
The call of Jesus is to live in love. Therefore, no more hatred, no more revenge, no more violence, no more spitefulness.
Jesus says in Mark 4:40, “Why do you have so much fear? How is it that you do not believe?” Inspired by these words of Jesus we invite all of you to trust in the merciful and saving presence of the Lord who accompanies us in our pilgrimage.
Let us intensify our prayer for Honduras.
Let us beg the Lord to grant that we may achieve Peace and prosperity and let us ask our patron, Saint Rose of Lima, to intercede for us.
Santa Rosa de Copán, July 1, 2009
Diocesan Pastoral Council
Diocesan Pastoral Council
This message was delivered publicly by Monseñor Luis Alfonso Santos, SDB, in the cathedral of Santa Rosa de Copán, Honduras, on Thursday, July 2, 2009, at 12:30 pm.
Translated by John Donaghy.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Golpe de estado – day four
This will be a rather disorganized posting. I spent much time today translating from Spanish and have not taken enough time to think things through thoroughly. I hope to take more time to reflect tomorrow.
The situation is tense and should be for a few more days. A curfew has been reimposed from 10 pm to 5 am from tonight until Sunday, I believe. During the curfew, according to one news report, several liberties are rescinded. For example, according to some experts, you cannot have a meeting, public or private, even in the streets or the churches, in your house or in a union hall.
Deposed President Zelaya was supposed to return Thursday but he has postponed it to the weekend. Meanwhile acting “president’ Micheletti said that the only way Zelaya will return to office is through a foreign invasion. Micheletti says he’s open to dialogue but in the next breath he says the courts will insist on jailing Zelaya if he returns. There are reports of conversations aimed at finding compromises. <http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/02/world/americas/02honduras.html?_r=1&pagewanted=1&ref=world> I hope that all these efforts open a space for dialogue and some peaceful negotiated solution.
There seems to be a lot happening in some parts of Honduras. But information is very difficult to obtain. There have been injuries to some anti-coup demonstrators and one reported death. There are continued reports of media censorship, intimidation of protestors, and arrests or arrest warrants for opponents of the coup.
There have also been large demonstrations in support of the coup. There was supposed to be a march here in Santa Rosa in support, but I didn’t see or hear anything.
International opposition to the coup continues. The US Defense Department suspended activities with the Honduran military. The Spanish ambassador has withdrawn. Today, the Organization of American States gave Honduras 72 hours to reinstate deposed President Manuel Zelaya or face suspension of its membership
A number of non-governmental organizations are affected. The local Habitat is moving its international volunteers to sites in El Salvador.
The first public pronouncement of the Catholic Church in Honduras can be found in article on a Spanish church website that reiterates a position the church took ten days before the coup. The article begins: “The executive director of Caritas of Honduras, Father Germán Calíx, make it clear that the Catholic Church rejects the coup against the constitutional government of its country, but at the same time demands that the deposed official Manuel Zelaya respect the constitutional requirements for plebiscites and referenda in regard to constitutional reforms.” The full text in my English translation can be found below in the previous post.
The bishop of Santa Rosa has been meeting with the priests of the diocese and I suspect that a statement may be released by tomorrow afternoon. When I have a copy I will publish and translate it.
--
Passing on the word, trying to speak the truth
Since I came here I have seen my blogging and picture pages as ways to let people, especially supporters at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Ames, Iowa, know what I am doing and what is happening here. Yesterday I sent a note to all the folks I am connected with on Facebook, asking their prayers and letting them know of my blog. Last night I noticed that I was getting more traffic on my blog than normal, increasing exponentially. Between 9:00 am yesterday and tonight at 10 pm my blog has received more than 600 hits. This may partly be due to my note to friends but also because a friend of a cousin’s daughter sent the link to Andrew Sullivan at The Atlantic Monthly who posted it on his website. And so my ministry grows – hopefully still “in service to those most in need.”
May Christ banish from the hearts of all people whatever might endanger peace,
may Christ transform them into witnesses of truth, justice and love.
May Christ enlighten the rulers of peoples so that in addition to their solicitude for the proper welfare of their citizens, they may guarantee and defend the great gift of peace;
may Christ enkindle the wills of all, so that they may overcome the barriers that divide, cherish the bonds of mutual charity, understand others, and pardon those who have done them wrong;
by virtue of this action, may all peoples of the earth become as brothers
and sisters, and may the most longed-for peace blossom forth and reign always among them.
This will be a rather disorganized posting. I spent much time today translating from Spanish and have not taken enough time to think things through thoroughly. I hope to take more time to reflect tomorrow.
The situation is tense and should be for a few more days. A curfew has been reimposed from 10 pm to 5 am from tonight until Sunday, I believe. During the curfew, according to one news report, several liberties are rescinded. For example, according to some experts, you cannot have a meeting, public or private, even in the streets or the churches, in your house or in a union hall.
Deposed President Zelaya was supposed to return Thursday but he has postponed it to the weekend. Meanwhile acting “president’ Micheletti said that the only way Zelaya will return to office is through a foreign invasion. Micheletti says he’s open to dialogue but in the next breath he says the courts will insist on jailing Zelaya if he returns. There are reports of conversations aimed at finding compromises. <http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/02/world/americas/02honduras.html?_r=1&pagewanted=1&ref=world> I hope that all these efforts open a space for dialogue and some peaceful negotiated solution.
There seems to be a lot happening in some parts of Honduras. But information is very difficult to obtain. There have been injuries to some anti-coup demonstrators and one reported death. There are continued reports of media censorship, intimidation of protestors, and arrests or arrest warrants for opponents of the coup.
There have also been large demonstrations in support of the coup. There was supposed to be a march here in Santa Rosa in support, but I didn’t see or hear anything.
International opposition to the coup continues. The US Defense Department suspended activities with the Honduran military. The Spanish ambassador has withdrawn. Today, the Organization of American States gave Honduras 72 hours to reinstate deposed President Manuel Zelaya or face suspension of its membership
A number of non-governmental organizations are affected. The local Habitat is moving its international volunteers to sites in El Salvador.
The first public pronouncement of the Catholic Church in Honduras can be found in article on a Spanish church website that reiterates a position the church took ten days before the coup. The article begins: “The executive director of Caritas of Honduras, Father Germán Calíx, make it clear that the Catholic Church rejects the coup against the constitutional government of its country, but at the same time demands that the deposed official Manuel Zelaya respect the constitutional requirements for plebiscites and referenda in regard to constitutional reforms.” The full text in my English translation can be found below in the previous post.
The bishop of Santa Rosa has been meeting with the priests of the diocese and I suspect that a statement may be released by tomorrow afternoon. When I have a copy I will publish and translate it.
--
Passing on the word, trying to speak the truth
Since I came here I have seen my blogging and picture pages as ways to let people, especially supporters at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Ames, Iowa, know what I am doing and what is happening here. Yesterday I sent a note to all the folks I am connected with on Facebook, asking their prayers and letting them know of my blog. Last night I noticed that I was getting more traffic on my blog than normal, increasing exponentially. Between 9:00 am yesterday and tonight at 10 pm my blog has received more than 600 hits. This may partly be due to my note to friends but also because a friend of a cousin’s daughter sent the link to Andrew Sullivan at The Atlantic Monthly who posted it on his website. And so my ministry grows – hopefully still “in service to those most in need.”
---
I invite you to join me in this prayer for peace, written in 1963 by good Pope John XXIII
A prayer for peace
May Christ banish from the hearts of all people whatever might endanger peace,
may Christ transform them into witnesses of truth, justice and love.
May Christ enlighten the rulers of peoples so that in addition to their solicitude for the proper welfare of their citizens, they may guarantee and defend the great gift of peace;
may Christ enkindle the wills of all, so that they may overcome the barriers that divide, cherish the bonds of mutual charity, understand others, and pardon those who have done them wrong;
by virtue of this action, may all peoples of the earth become as brothers
and sisters, and may the most longed-for peace blossom forth and reign always among them.
Blessed Pope John XXIII, Pacem in Terris, ¶ 171
The Church of Honduras rejects the coup
but asks Zelaya to respect the Constitution.
but asks Zelaya to respect the Constitution.
June 30, 2009
Patricio Downes
The executive director of Caritas of Honduras, Father Germán Calíx, make it clear that the Catholic Church rejects the coup against the constitutional government of its country, but at the same time demands that the deposed official Manuel Zelaya respect the constitutional requirements for plebiscites and referenda in regard to constitutional reforms. This is a point that had created friction between the Honduran bishops and the president.
In declarations by telephone from Tegucigalpa to “Religion Digital,” Calíx, a close collaborator with Cardinal Óscar Rodríguez Maradiaga, rejected the accusation against the Catholic Church in Honduras that is was complicit with the coup. “Niether the one nor the other,” he pointed out, “because ten days before the coup the Church called for dialogue and supported [the idea] that the people be consulted.” Father Calíx added that the bishops are ready to become part of a dialogue commission, called by the de facto government, but it considered the arrival of Zelaya, planned for this Thursday [but now postponed to Saturday], could be “catastrophic” if an agreement was not reached beforehand.
While Cardinal Óscar Rodríguez Maradiaga was holding continuous meetings to avoid a coup ending up in blood bath, Calíx said that the Church maintains the same posture that it expressed in its document of June 19 [Comunicado de la Conferencia Episcopal de Honduras <http://www.caritas.hn/noticias/comunicadoconferencia.htm]. The Cardinal, president of Caritas International, was unavailable for his co-workers while fully involved in mediating.
In that document the Honduran bishops noted, “Participative democracy which we wish will only be possible under certain conditions. Thus, we urge the elected authorities to take great for the State of Right [the Rule of Law], which they know how to find, by means of dialogue, the solutions of the present conflict and that they know how to guarantee for the Honduran people the regulation of its constitutional resources, such as the Plebiscite and the Referendum, which, together with other tools, such as the Law of Citizen Participation, permit the consultation of the people in matters of major importance.”
- Would the church participate in dialogue, despite the de facto government?
- If they would call it now, the Church would be disposed to participate despite having received a lot of criticism, especially against the hierarchy, because they consider that it did not put itself on the side of the deposed government and that, by not having spoken in favor of the fourth ballot box [the poll scheduled for June 28 on having a ballot question in November about a Constituent Assembly to rewrite the Constitution] - which is the process that Zelaya had initiated – they accuse the Church of being a participation in the coup d’etat, which has no solid foundation in fact.
Father Calíx this made reference to the possibility of a dialogue commission, which the de facto president Roberto Micheletti has called for. He belongs to the Liberal Party, that same party in which Manuel Zelaya came to power. But until last night they had not set up the mechanism for dialogue to which they would invite the Catholic and Evangelical Churches, as well as the business sector, workers and campesinos [peasants]. Calix commented that the fomenters of the coup had not taken into account the international front and the strong rejection of the coup in the European Union as well as in ALBA (The Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas), the Organization of American State, and the Rio Group.
- What does the Church think of the coup?
- Before the coup on June 29, the Church issue a communication in which it said that you cannot make democracy against democracy. And in this moment the Church has done no more than repeat this. Before the coup, it had been suggested and even asked that all the sectors of society could sit together in a great dialogue and let emerge valid and rational ways out of this situation and that it would not just be an arrangement made between politicians but a consensus among the different sectors of society and that it was necessary to take into account that the political crisis came upon us gradually because the democratic system had not been capable to make the jump to social justice for all the country.
-Did you say to Zelaya that you were opposed to the reelection proposal?
-Yes, some ten days before the coup the bishops met with president Zelaya to let him know that the Church agreed with the desire for the people’s participation and that the participation of the people ought not to be limited in public destinies and in the fixing up of public policies. But it ought to de done within the existing legal framework, since there are already structures like the plebiscite and the referendum with a lot of experience in South America. And there the president was asked to put aside all personal desire for continuity or reelection, a message which he had already received beforehand from the Church and he had given his word to hand over power in January, which could be certain as the word of the president, nevertheless the movement which he was generating around a national assembly put in doubt his affirmations, because the assembly was going to have the legal right to choose him as president and , in that case, he was going to have the option to perpetuate himself in power or change the constitution in over to be again elected president.
- The slogan was “neither the one nor the other,” neither reelection nor coup?
Neither of the two, since the church does not consider the coup was the way out for life in a democracy. The coup does not resolve the political problem which has been coming along slowly during a decade in the exhausting of the party system in Honduras, where a two party tradition exists since the last century, from 1920 more or less, in some case in some cases recalling including still the ideals of that epoch. Those parties need to be reformed but the reforms cannot come through the way of party bosses [caudillos] and, even less, through a coup d’etat, but it is necessary to open spaces for the renovation of the parties, to open up for greater participation, and to seek political solutions to problems which are internal. The peculiarity is that the members who supposedly carried out this coup d’etat – where the military are only the visible and fleeting hand, no more than a moment , because they quickly handed power over to civilians – is that has been brought about among members of the same Liberal Party.
- How do you see the return of Zelaya which is expected this Thursday? [It has been delayed until Saturday.]
Now there’s a lot of commotion, because yesterday and today have been days of confrontation within the social sectors, above all within the popular sectors, and there has been talk of 70 wounded, with no deaths, thank God, up till now. The coming of president Zelaya could be catastrophic because it would mean mobilization of all these people to receive him, to cheer him, and to escort him and there would be a confrontation with police and governmental forces. It would not be a solution unless – because of international pressure – the government on duty (de facto) would decide to negotiate also with Zelaya. But, definitely, it will only be with difficulty that he will be accepted in the position in which he was by a great part of the population.
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This is my translation - corrections most welcome - of an article in Spanish, most of which is an interview.
Items between parentheses [ ] are my additions to clarify points made in the article. The sections in bold were in bold in the original article.
La Iglesia de Honduras rechaza el golpe, pero pide a Zelaya que respete la Constitución
http://blogs.periodistadigital.com/religiondigital.php/2009/06/30/la-iglesia-de-honduras-rechaza-el-golpe-
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Golpe de estado – day three
For a few minutes the quiet of the streets of Santa Rosa was broken by the shouts of people marching in support of the ousted president, Mel Zelaya. There were over 200 on foot followed by at least twenty cars with at least 100 people. They had blocked the highway near Santa Rosa since early this morning, joining with roadblocks in other parts of Honduras of people against the coup.
The mainstream press, mostly owned by the economic elite, largely downplayed these protests and claimed that they were controlled and guided by Venezuelans and Nicaraguans. However the well attended rallies in support of the coup in San Pedro Sula and the capital city of Tegucigalpa were well covered here.
There are continuing reports of arrests of opposition leaders. From a report I got from a US friend with contacts in the capital, there are warrants out for the arrest of many people including two Protestant pastors who are the leaders of the Movimiento Popular Cristiano (Popular Christian Movement).
The international pressure is building. The Central American countries are withdrawing their ambassadors from Honduras as did several other Latin American nations. Most troubling is the decision of the World Bank to freeze its aid to the government. This means that at least 16 projects are affected, possibly including a program for maternal and infant health that I know of.
President Mel Zelaya spoke at the United Nations and received their support. The UN General Assembly in a voice vote urged that the government be immediately and unconditionally restored and that Zelaya be allowed to conclude his term of office.
Zelaya has stated that he will return to Honduras on Thursday, possibly accompanied by the president of Argentina and the Secretary General of the Organization of American States, which has also opposed the coup. Micheletti’s Attorney General has said that he will be arrested on his return and a member of the Supreme Court has issued an arrest warrant. It should be a tense day.
Opposition groups have called for a general strike tomorrow. We will see how this all plays out.
The Catholic Church has been a little slow on a public response, though Micheletti keeps thanking the Catholic and Evangelical Churches for supporting him. I am not sure that is exactly true, because the situation is very complicated.
What the local Catholic Church has been saying is that the people should be consulted, there should be political participation. The local bishop is meeting with advisers today and with all the priests tomorrow in a previously scheduled meeting of all the priests in the diocese. This morning on the diocesan radio the bishop warned about letting the church be used by any group.
The church's concern before last Sunday has been about the legality of the proposal of President Zelaya. But there is also great skepticism among many people about the willingness of Micheletti and the present congress to allow even legal referendums and polls.
I am safe and I feel safe. The US government has called US citizens to avoid unnecessary travel to Honduras. On Monday they urged people to stay close to their houses or hotels and avoid unnecessary travel. Needless to say, I did what I normally do. Today I went to Caritas, then to the lunch program for kids, then back to Caritas in the afternoon.
What troubles me most now is the increase of rhetoric in an extremely polarized society. The specter of Communism is even being raised. I thought we had gone past that. However, here in Central America this is serious; in the 1970s and 1980s many who worked with the poor – especially the Church – were labeled “Communist”. I know we are not at that stage, but the rhetoric, especially from the supporters of the coup is troubling. This is not to ignore the rambling tirades of Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez, but rhetoric of this type, no matter which group uses is, just adds fuel to the fire.
Some other US citizens I know here are afraid of an invasion by Venezuela. One of them asked me what I’d do if there was an invasion or war. “I’ll stay here with the people.” That’s why I am here. It is not a question of courage; it’s a question of calling.
Yet I don’t see this as a real possibility, despite the ravings of Chávez, because there is so much international diplomatic and economic pressure on the Micheletti regime. I only pray that this can be worked out with equity and justice and without much bloodshed.
Pray for us.
For a few minutes the quiet of the streets of Santa Rosa was broken by the shouts of people marching in support of the ousted president, Mel Zelaya. There were over 200 on foot followed by at least twenty cars with at least 100 people. They had blocked the highway near Santa Rosa since early this morning, joining with roadblocks in other parts of Honduras of people against the coup.
The mainstream press, mostly owned by the economic elite, largely downplayed these protests and claimed that they were controlled and guided by Venezuelans and Nicaraguans. However the well attended rallies in support of the coup in San Pedro Sula and the capital city of Tegucigalpa were well covered here.
There are continuing reports of arrests of opposition leaders. From a report I got from a US friend with contacts in the capital, there are warrants out for the arrest of many people including two Protestant pastors who are the leaders of the Movimiento Popular Cristiano (Popular Christian Movement).
The international pressure is building. The Central American countries are withdrawing their ambassadors from Honduras as did several other Latin American nations. Most troubling is the decision of the World Bank to freeze its aid to the government. This means that at least 16 projects are affected, possibly including a program for maternal and infant health that I know of.
President Mel Zelaya spoke at the United Nations and received their support. The UN General Assembly in a voice vote urged that the government be immediately and unconditionally restored and that Zelaya be allowed to conclude his term of office.
Zelaya has stated that he will return to Honduras on Thursday, possibly accompanied by the president of Argentina and the Secretary General of the Organization of American States, which has also opposed the coup. Micheletti’s Attorney General has said that he will be arrested on his return and a member of the Supreme Court has issued an arrest warrant. It should be a tense day.
Opposition groups have called for a general strike tomorrow. We will see how this all plays out.
The Catholic Church has been a little slow on a public response, though Micheletti keeps thanking the Catholic and Evangelical Churches for supporting him. I am not sure that is exactly true, because the situation is very complicated.
What the local Catholic Church has been saying is that the people should be consulted, there should be political participation. The local bishop is meeting with advisers today and with all the priests tomorrow in a previously scheduled meeting of all the priests in the diocese. This morning on the diocesan radio the bishop warned about letting the church be used by any group.
The church's concern before last Sunday has been about the legality of the proposal of President Zelaya. But there is also great skepticism among many people about the willingness of Micheletti and the present congress to allow even legal referendums and polls.
I am safe and I feel safe. The US government has called US citizens to avoid unnecessary travel to Honduras. On Monday they urged people to stay close to their houses or hotels and avoid unnecessary travel. Needless to say, I did what I normally do. Today I went to Caritas, then to the lunch program for kids, then back to Caritas in the afternoon.
What troubles me most now is the increase of rhetoric in an extremely polarized society. The specter of Communism is even being raised. I thought we had gone past that. However, here in Central America this is serious; in the 1970s and 1980s many who worked with the poor – especially the Church – were labeled “Communist”. I know we are not at that stage, but the rhetoric, especially from the supporters of the coup is troubling. This is not to ignore the rambling tirades of Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez, but rhetoric of this type, no matter which group uses is, just adds fuel to the fire.
Some other US citizens I know here are afraid of an invasion by Venezuela. One of them asked me what I’d do if there was an invasion or war. “I’ll stay here with the people.” That’s why I am here. It is not a question of courage; it’s a question of calling.
Yet I don’t see this as a real possibility, despite the ravings of Chávez, because there is so much international diplomatic and economic pressure on the Micheletti regime. I only pray that this can be worked out with equity and justice and without much bloodshed.
Pray for us.
Monday, June 29, 2009
A statement from some Honduran Jesuit ministries
This statement was released two days before the coup. I especially like paragraph 7 which might offer a way out.
Rationality and dialogue: our proposal
This statement was released two days before the coup. I especially like paragraph 7 which might offer a way out.
Rationality and dialogue: our proposal
- As soon as we can we need to create an environment of calm and civility and it is necessary that reason takes its place in the present environment of passions and political and ideological confrontations. We have already reached the heights of political conflictiveness which puts us in a real dilemma: either we now seek a way out of the political crisis which includes reason, dialogue, and negotiation or we go forward without recourse to ungovernability in which we will all go away as losers.
- Already the moment has passed for continuing to throw wood on the fire and it is to our advantage to take a little distance form all that which stokes the postures which radicalize whichever of the poles define the present conflict. We find ourselves in an extreme moment of turning inward in which what alone will save us is wagering on setting of minimum consensuses around the preservation of the institutional nature of the state of law.
- This minimum consensus has to start with the absolute rejection of all that has to do with a coup d’etat, whether it be technical or violent, since in a situation of ungovernability the entire society remains exposed to violence and expressions of decomposing which only benefits the sectors that nourish themselves in the shade of instability and the absence of
- The positions of the two poles continue becoming more radicalized. Neither the president appears to take a step toward dialogue nor is the other sector disposed to step back from its decision to disqualify the holder of the Executive branch. To advance toward a stage of minimum consensus there is the need for the action and presence of other forces which contribute to breaking the logic in which both sectors demonize each other and seek to crush each other.
- In the face of this dangerous polarization, it is very important to pass on and keep available as much information as possible for the whole society, since only with an informed population can we advance toward a political way out which is not manipulated and only thus can we hope for a conscientious and civil response on the part of the diverse sectors of the Honduran society.
- The deeply radicalized polarization involves in a special way those who lead the three powers of the State, and for this very thing their proposals and decisions now enjoy very little acceptance and credibility. Therefore we consider relevant the need for the intervention of sectors of the society which, from their independent and dispassionate positions, can call together the sectors involved in the present political and institutional crisis with the purpose of seeking, as quickly as possible, a negotiated exit to the crisis created within the powers of the State.
- We suggest the need to seek the formation of a Commission of well known actors – in the spheres of politics, law, and ethics – nationals and internationals, as a factor which contributes to opening the dialogue toward a negotiated solution to the present crisis. A Commission which could be made up of representatives of the United Nations and the Organization of American States, perhaps a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, an international human rights association and the president of a prestigious university.
- Rationality which comes from the inclusion of all sectors of the society is what the present political moment of unrest is most urging us toward. Reducing closed positions, and looking toward the nation and the common good, far beyond individual groups or sectors is what the nation needs to turn away from the ungovernability and instability of those of us who are victims and to advance toward the recovery of the state of law, democracy and peace which are so lacking, so that we can face the true tasks of the development of our country.
- Now we are at a moment - the politicians, the major directors of the powers of the State, the means of mass communications, the churches, the diverse sectors of the civil society – we have to give each one of us a step forward in the construction of an exit of dialogue and negotiation. Tomorrow, no doubt, it will be too late, and we of the present and the future generations will forever lament this.
El Progreso, Yoro, June 26, 2009
Radio Progreso and Equipo de Reflexión, Investigación y Comunicación,
[Team of Reflection, Research, and Communication],
apostolic works of the Jesuits in Honduras.
Radio Progreso and Equipo de Reflexión, Investigación y Comunicación,
[Team of Reflection, Research, and Communication],
apostolic works of the Jesuits in Honduras.
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