El Salvador Episcopalians Call for Peace
Episcopal News Service. September 25, 1980 [80325]
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador -- The Diocesan Convention of the Episcopal Church in El Salvador issued a statement here condemning "the violence that comes from different sectors" and calling for positive action "to find by way of Christian love" the solution to the problems of "this suffering nation. "
The statement also calls the Episcopal Church and the whole Anglican Communion to "join in the strength of community prayer for the prompt restoration of peace."
This Central American country of 4.5 million inhabitants has been plagued by violent social and political upheaval since the beginning of this year. It is estimated that nearly 9,000 people have died in the armed struggle. Last March, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of San Salvador, Oscar Romero, was assassinated while celebrating Mass in a hospital chapel.
The Episcopal statement also pleads that "our people be allowed to live in a true participatory democracy based on respect for life, integrity, dignity, and liberty."
The Convention also requested that the document to sent to the Most Rev. Robert Runcie, Archbishop of Canterbury and the Rt. Rev. John M. Allin, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church in the United States. Both prelates have expressed their concern over the situation in El Salvador.
The tiny Episcopal Church here has a vigorous social betterment program that continues under severe difficulties.