The General Assembly of CLAR, gathered in Rionegro – Antioquia (Colombia) from June 1 to 4, 2022, was an opportunity to scrutinize once again the signs of the times and in them, listen to the voice of the Spirit that never ceases to open our ears so that we listen as disciples (Is 50,4).
As Religious Life on pilgrimage today in Latin America and the Caribbean, we see with deep concern the deterioration of democracy, the social fabric and the growing political instability in several of our sister countries where fundamental freedoms are being compromised. In the framework of the Summit of the Americas, meeting in Los Angeles, we make a vehement call to political, social and economic leaders to prioritize the response to the rifts that the Covid 19 pandemic has exposed in the health, educational and social systems.
It is unacceptable that the threat to democracy, climate change and the lack of equitable access to economic, social and political opportunities continue to disproportionately and severely affect the lives of the most vulnerable and systematically excluded people in each of our countries. Today we raise our voice of solidarity, united with the poor and the earth, who cry out more forcefully than ever for life. We also express our closeness and affection in solidarity with our religious brothers and sisters, especially in Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela in these moments of extreme difficulty and insecurity. The situation of their communities of faith and life, and especially that of the persons and communities they accompany, challenges us and invites us to care for one another with the certainty that we carry a treasure in earthen vessels and in a condition of fragility (2 Cor 4:7).
Together with you, we ask for all Religious Life, and for those who join the movement of global solidarity with the marginalized of history and with the earth: courage, inner serenity and full trust in God’s action that permanently restores social and environmental justice. We call upon Religious Life to be vigilant, watchful and supportive in prayer, communication and political and social advocacy for the most vulnerable.
Committed and persevering witness strengthens us, and this strength inspires us with solidarity and hope. Mary, the Woman of the Dawn, continues to accompany and guide the journey of our people as she did with the first Church when it was going through the night of persecution and intolerance. With her and with the women of the Dawn, we unite in this journey in favor of life.
Participants XXI CLAR General Assembly
Bogota, D.C., June 9, 2022
Source : CLAR