@San Cristobal de Las Casas Diocesis
On January 25th, the now traditional pilgrimage of Pueblo Creyente (Believing People) was carried out as part of the celebrations for the 11th anniversary of the passing of Jtatic Samuel Ruiz García.
More than 3,000 people from different indigenous communities (Tsotils, Tzeltals and Choles) and members of civil society organizations, led by the Diocese of San Cristobal de las Casas, gathered at two points in the city to make a pilgrimage and finally meet at the central park, where Pueblo Creyente read a statement through which they gave an account of the context that is experienced in their communities and throughout the state.
“As a Believing People we unite, on this day, to manifest all the abuses and injustices experienced by our peoples and communities, especially insecurity, violence and the territorial dispute caused by organized crime, before which the authorities of the three levels of government are overwhelmed, permissive and in collusion due to the system of control that organized crime exercises in the national territory. (…) The disappearance of people, girls-boys, men and women, of different ages. And due to the fear of reprisals and the non-exercise of the rule of law, people do not denounce. (…) Also the threat and assassination of social leaders and social communicators, as well as threats to Agents of the Pastoral of our Diocese.”
In their statement, they denounced various issues that afflict the region, such as militarization, impunity, migrant trafficking, and excessive logging, among others, and recognized the work that civil society organizations and the diocese have done.
Finally, they reaffirmed their commitment to the defense of the land and territory and invited all peoples to “build justice and hope together.”
For more information in Spanish:
Recuerdan a obispo Samuel Ruiz a once años de su muerte (La Jornada 25 de enero de 2022)
Conmemoran aniversario luctuoso de Jtatic Samuel Ruiz (Diario de Chiapas 25 de enero de 2022)
Comunicado Pueblo Creyente (Frayba 25 de enero de 2022)
For more information from SIPAZ:
Chiapas: Believing People on Tenth Anniversary of Don Samuel – Our Option Is for Life (January 30, 2021)
Chiapas: Believing People Hold Pilgrimage for Ninth Anniversary of jTatic Samuel (January 29, 2020)
CHIAPAS: BELIEVING PEOPLE PILGRIMAGE ON EIGHTH ANNIVERSARY OF JTATIC SAMUEL RUIZ (JANUARY 31, 2019)
Chiapas: Pueblo Creyente organize a pilgrimage on the seventh anniversary of jTatik Samuel Ruiz (February 3rd, 2018)
Chiapas: Believing People Pilgrimage (February 5th, 2017)
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