Elizabeth Palmberg, editor for Sojourners, calls on the US to do “soul-searching” on our lack of response to the continued violence in Colombia. It’s ripped from the headlines: A young person is killed, but the police seem to be casting aspersions on the victim. It outrages us when it happens in Florida, and it should…
In the worship packet this year there are a number of multimedia resources available to participants. These resources can be used in a worship service or small group setting. Organizers may choose to use one of multimedia resources or all of them. These resources help to visually and lyrically portray the current crisis in Colombia.…
The worship packet for this year’s Days of Prayer and Action has finally arrived! The packet was created by MCC Colombia workers with help from MCC partners and several volunteers. Inside the packet there are a number of helpful resources that will guide participants in constructing a service dedicated to Days of Prayer and Action.…
In December 2011 the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) produced a report on the Colombian government’s efforts to protect and assist the more than 5 million internally displaced persons (IDPs). The report looked specifically at the Santos administration’s lack of tangible action for improving the human rights conditions for IDPs. The IDMC reports, “Colombia’s government,…
With more than five million internally displaced people, Colombia is home to the world’s greatest displacement crisis. Minority and indigenous groups such as Afro-Colombians are often affected the most. The violence is also directed at Protestant and evangelical church leaders and members. In 2009, there were at least 69 documented cases of human rights violations…
In the Colombian community of Mampujan, a rare but exciting peace and reconciliation process is occurring. Mampujan is the only community that has received a sentence under Colombia’s Justice and Peace Law, allowing the community to receive reparations for their displacement. On January 18, a second hearing was held to ensure the reparations were being…
Anna Vogt, service worker for Mennonite Central Committee’s SEED Program, recently wrote an article about the Mampujan community in Colombia. The Mampujan community has experienced the full extent of Colombia’s previous and current armed conflicts. This past December, members of the Mampujan community decided to march in protest against the lack of reparations given by…
MCC Washington Memo 