Israel Batista
General secretary, Latin American Council of Churches
Bio and press contact: see below.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ. Today the voice of the prophet Jeremiah is heard again "Peace, peace when there is no peace." We are willing to build a new world, but it seems that the present world is dominated by fear and violence.

September 11 was a trying and painful moment when our conscience was shaken and challenged. We must avoid that actions coming out of a minority group of terrorists impose on us a subculture of violence and terror. Likewise, our actions should not contribute to promote a climate of hate and revenge.

Love builds, hate destroys human relationships. Seeking peace in a world of violence is a fundamental task for the mission of the church. To be a peace-maker is not an ideological option; rather it is an affirmation of our fidelity to Jesus Christ. Each local congregation is being called to be a community of peace in daily life.

As Latin American churches, we are willing to invite you as our sister churches to live together the vocation of peace; educate for peace, proclaim peace and pray for peace. The ministry of reconciliation calls upon us to resist the temptation to use violence and war as ministries of conflict. This is the power and promise of peace.

Message delivered on 21 September, 2004, to mark the observance of the International Day of Prayer for Peace.

Biographical summary

Reverend Israel Batista, general secretary of the Latin American Council of Churches (CLAI), has answered the call to alleviate social violence in Central and South America. Batista and the CLAI have launched initiatives in the areas of conflict mediation and juvenile delinquency. These initiatives seek to end gang violence, and train church leaders on how to address community conflicts and violence. Batista works for a Latin America that will no longer be plagued with civil wars and domestic violence.

Media contact: Manuel Quintero +593-2-252-9933/255-3996 manuel@clai.org.ec


Last edited on September 20, 2004 by Juan Michel / WCC