Letter to Archbishop Hurtado Regarding July Coup in Bolivia, July 23, 1980

July 23, 1980

Most Reverend Jorge Manrique Hurtado
Archbishop of La Paz
Casilla 259
La Paz, Bolivia

Your Excellency:

The coup d'etat occurring on July 17 is profoundly disturbing to Bolivia's many friends in the United States. We had followed the recent elections with growing hope, and were further encouraged by the firm leadership offered by Your Excellency and the episcopal conference of Bolivia.

With the tragic rejection of the democratic process by elements of the military, the suffering people of Bolivia have once more looked to the Church for leadership and the defense of their rights. We have been inspired by your clear denunciation of the violence committed against many innocent persons, including priests, nuns and lay workers of the Church.

We make our own your protest against this tragic event and join with you in urging all parties to enable your beloved country to return to the path of participation and peace for all.

With assurance of our prayers for you and for the whole people of God, of Bolivia, I remain

Fraternally in Christ,

ost Reverend John R. Quinn
Archbishop of San Francisco
President, NCCB/USCC

 

ltr-to-archbishop-hurtado.pdf