Colombian bishops may play a role in government-rebel peace accord

November 03, 2016

The Catholic bishops of Colombia may play an active part in renewed peace negotiations between the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), the Fides news service reports.

An initial peace accord between the government and FARC was rejected by the people of Colombia in an October referendum, sending negotiators back to the bargaining table. During the past week, the two sides have exchanged new proposals. The negotiators have also met with civic groups and with Church leaders. Archbishop Dario Monsalve of Cali told Fides that these talks had dealt with “fundamental issues such as the family, the rights of women and the gender theory,” Fides reports.

The Catholic bishops of Colombia may be asked to help draft the new peace accord, and to play a role in helping FARC guerrillas resume normal roles in peacetime society, according to reports. The bishops’ conference plans a press briefing to discuss the peace process.

 

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Further information:

• The Church may participate in the final phase of the peace agreements (Fides)
• Colombian bishops urge government to accept proposed changes in peace accord with FARC (CWN, 10/31)