Colombian Bishops welcome hostage release

Colombia's main rebel group on Monday freed what it says were its last 10 military and police captives, returning the men to their families after at least 12 years spent jungle prisons. The release of the six police and four soldiers highlighted efforts to seek peace talks by Latin America's oldest and most potent guerrilla band, which has been weakened by Colombia's U.S.-backed military.

In a declaration released yesterday, the Bishops of Colombia rejoiced at the freedom of the hostages. They called for an end to kidnappings, and a renewed respect for the rights of all Colombians.

The full text of the Bishops’ message is below:

In the context of the celebration of Easter, which is the celebration of life, we the Bishops of Colombia share the joy that fills those who have been released from captivity along with their families and friends, and also the Colombians who have not lost hope that all hostages will be released.

We encourage groups that still hold hostages, to the release them as soon as possible, so that the heinous crime of kidnapping may completely disappear from our homeland and the profound respect for the rights of all Colombians – the essential basis for a just and fraternal society – may be strengthened.

We consider the unilateral release of all hostages a necessary first step to initiate the dialogue and that will allow Colombia to end the scourge of a fratricidal war and to advance along the paths of peace – the permanent desire of all Colombians.

We invite Catholics in Colombia to live intensely the celebration of the mystery of Easter as a passage from death to life, from slavery to freedom, from enmity to brotherhood, from division to unity.

Santa Fe de Bogota, April 2, 2012.

+ Rubén Salazar Gómez
Archbishop of Bogotá
President of the Episcopal Conference of Colombia