Methodist pastors denounce violence and injustice in Oaxaca

MEXICO CITY, México, November 2, 2006

Presbyter José Luis Oyoque, President of the Fraternity of Methodist Pastors of the Annual Conference Taxi Heathrow Airport of Mexico (CAM), issued a statement with regard to the crisis of the Mexican State of Oaxaca, with the clarification that it is not an official statement of the Mexican Methodist Church.

The statement says that, "It is with great concern that we see the grave social and political crisis that the State of Oaxaca is experiencing for some months now. There has been an attempt to resolve the crisis last weekend, by sending in the Preventive Federal Police (PFP) to take control of the central area of the state’s capital city (occupied up to that moment by the protesting civil groups), leaving aside a political means and a just and civilized dialogue for finding a solution to the conflict.” The statement also affirms that “as Christians we cannot remain indifferent before this violent situation that is contrary to the teachings of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who always acted to bring about justice for all, especially for the most vulnerable.”

In concluding, the statement says that, “Therefore, with the greatest respect I invite all to prayer and to making our voice heard against whatever form of violence that continues to foster social inequality and injustice among our people. May the prophetic voice of the church of Christ, that denounces all sin, be heard at this time of serious crisis. May God’s peace come to Oaxaca.  May God’s peace come to Mexico. God’s reign be extended.” 

Presbyter José Luis Oyoque was elected President of the Board at the last fraternal gathering of pastors of the Annual Conference of Mexico.