Copyright © 2000 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

CHIAPAS, MEXICO - On Saturday, April 22, at 11:00 a.m. members of CPT Mexico and members of the Abejas community, in anticipation of the resurrection, will transform the military camp that borders the indigenous community of Xoyep, municipality of Chenalho. Members of both organizations, joined by other groups, plan to inscribe the word PAZ (peace) with white stones on the helicopter pad, located on the South Eastern corner of the base. They will also leave banners and other symbols calling for peace.

These actions will culminate a 35-day presence of fasting and prayer by members of these two organizations. This public witness confronts the structural violence being waged against the indigenous of Chiapas with the theme of" Lent: Return to God's Path."

Easter is a time of transformation, of rebirth, and of hope. These actions point to resurrection, to the end of violence in Chiapas, and to the hope that peace with justice will come. Presently there are more than 10,000 displaced people in Chenalho county because of the low-intensity conflict being waged in Chiapas.

During the last five weeks, members of both organizations have urged soldiers to imagine a way of life outside of the army. It is hoped that the individual soldiers realize how they are part of this system of violence that has contributed to the conflict in Chiapas, and resulted in so much suffering, displacement, and loss of life.

There are over 4000 Abejas Indigenous members in Chenalho county. As Catholics and protestants, they have made a commitment to justice using non-violent means. Nearly half of the members have been displaced from their homes by paramilitary violence.