Ricardo Esquivia is an internationally recognized mennonite peacemaker from Colombia and director of Justapaz. Justapaz, a program of the Mennonite Churches of Colombia, encourages Colombian Christians to consider alternative responses to warring factions. Ricardo spoke on Mennonite Peacemaking in Colombia last night. He told the audience the people of Colombia are watching our actions in Iraq. They fear that they are next on the list.
This is an area of the world that we should be learning more about and keeping an eye on. Once again there appears to be two sides to the story - that of the US Government and that of the indigenous people of the country.
Originally known as Plan Colombia, the efforts of the US now include much more. It is now known as the Andean Regional Initiative. There are many issues to consider. Perhaps the most important is the use of US aid to purchase military hardware. Once again we see our tax dollars being drafted for military purposes rather than humanitarian.
But my reason for calling attention to this issue is bigger than the problem in Colombia. Last evening, as I was feeling depressed about the war in Iraq and all the senseless killing there, Ricardo was giving me hope. US citizens are, he pointed out, Citizens of the Empire. As such, we have a great responsibility. The world, he said, is waiting for the church to provide leadership in finding alternatives to war. The church in this country is made up of millions of Citizens of the Empire. Just as Paul did in the days of the Roman Empire, we need to use our citizenship and power to call our leaders to task. We need to speak up and live out our commitment to Jesus’ love commandment.
It is true. The church could turn the world toward peace if every church lived and taught as Jesus lived and taught. I don’t know about you, but I am ready to use my citizenship in the Empire to challenge its leaders to live up to their potential. The power of love is awesome. Let’s shock the world and use it.
Rick Stamm
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