DECLARATION:

As followers of Christ, son of God, whom we recognize as God above all gods, we affirm our biblical and historical commitment to walk the path of peace, nonviolence and love for neighbor-- especially the weak, marginalized and our enemies.

We will not participate in war initiatives in the name of seeking peace. We believe that obligating all Colombian civilians to take sides in the armed conflict, whether on the side of the State or one of the illegal armed groups, is a false alternative to war. All are using the same logic of weapons and violence.

We refuse to participate in any armed group, and we refuse to pay so that others do so on our behalf. We oppose the militarization of the economy and support the right to consciencious objection to all armed service.

We believe that peace building is the responsibility of everyone. We will continue to seek a peace with justice for all people through the promotion of conversations and actions with whomever is willing to consider non-violent, negotiated solutions. Only this will lead to true reconciliation in Colombia.

We encourage the government, the armed groups and the media to give up their war like attitudes and begin genuine peace talks with real concessions towards the building of a new country. Colombians needs genuine guarantees for dignified human treatment within legal and social justice, including housing, employment, land rights, security, education, health care and democratic freedoms.

We call the international community, especially citizens of the United States, to 1) stop contributing to the war in Colombia through the provision of finances, weapons, helicopters and logistical support and 2) contribute to the wellbeing of the world through approving and supporting the International Crimes Count.

We invite the Colombian movements of human rights, peace and non-violence to mend their divisions and take on a more proactive role in creating peace in our country.

In the same way we invite all Colombians of good will to join the creation of a great movement of " A Million Artisans of Life, Non-violence and Peace." For more information...

PAN Y PAZ (BREAD AND PEACE): We invite all Colombian citizens to fast and pray for peace on Saturday, Sept 21 and to break the fast at 4 pm in community in a public act at the Plaza de Bolivar (this is Bogota largest public plaza). Bring bread-not bullets! Bread for the Poor-not bombs!

Peter Stucky, President of the Colombian Mennonite Church
Ricardo Esquivia Ballestas, Director of Justapaz: Christian Center for Justice, Peace and Non-violent Action and President of the Human Rights and Peace Commission of the Evangelical Council of Colombian Churches (CEDECOL) .