Ystävyyskirkkomme El Salvadorissa

El Salvadorin luterilaisen kirkon kuukausikirjeitä loppuvuodelta 2002

joulukuu

During the month of November important events have been registered in the national life of the country, between which it is possible to mention:

1.    The main problem of the country in this month continues to be the problem of health. For more than two months and a half the doctors and workers of the Salvadoran Institute of Social Security declared themselves against the privatization of the Medical System that the government was impelling. In that sense, they have made strikes, religious acts, marches of protest, etc. Approximately three weeks ago the Legislative Assembly approved a decree that prohibits the privatizations. After the approval of this decree, a table of negotiation was settled with the medication of the Roman Catholic Church; but at the same time, the dominant sectors of the country related to the government party have developed all a campaign against the decree, and of loss of prestige of the unions of doctors and workers. For that reason, strike has not finished, the protests either, and the dialogue table has not obtained any agreement. Now the doctors and workers demand the rehiring of the people fired during the strike and the cancellation of the salaries of several months that have not given to them. Most serious of this problem it is that the government has begun to repress the protests. The past 27 of November there was a confrontation between the demonstrators and the police in the area of the hospitals. The Police attacked the people with tear gas, rubber bullets and a water pipe. Several people were wounded as a result of this confrontation. The day of the 28 another manifestation was repressed of the same form. Our church has been pronounced on the matter: “We think that the moment has arrived for showing a true will to solve the crisis of the health system. On the one hand, the medical union and the workers of health need sufficient labor guarantees for their return to their jobs, and on the other hand the government must be like a true State to the service of the citizenship.”

2.    In the middle of that social conflict in El Salvador they are being developed, from the past 24 of November, the Central American and of the Caribbean Olympic Games. By such reason the president of Venezuela, Hugo Chávez, visited El Salvador because a Venezuelan athlete drowned in the Lake of Coatepeque. The diplomatic and warm relations between the presidents of both countries were re-established. As church we think that: “Next to the climate of social conflict by the problematic of health, the sport games are developed with a brotherhood spirit that would have to motivate to look for a solution in benefit of the users of the social security and the public health”

Important events in our church during the month of November:

1.    A delegation of 14 people coming from Holy Comforter Lutheran Church and Salem Lutheran Church in Baltimore, MD visited us from the 7 to the 14 of November. The Salem Church already has established a sisterhood with “St John 3:16” Lutheran Church in Guaymango, Ahuachapán; whereas Holy Comforter took advantage of the visit to establish a brotherhood with the Lutheran Church in the Community of San Alfonso, municipality of San Francisco Menéndez, department Ahuachapán, which was also inaugurated with the mane of “Holy Comforter” church. Thanks brothers and sisters of Salem and Holy Comforter for your visit.

2.    “Resurgent of Martyrs” (Renacer de los Mártires) Lutheran Church in the Community Monsignor Romero, municipality of Suchitoto in the department of Cuscatlán was celebrating its Eighth anniversary the past 17 of November. In the act our Bishop Medardo Gomez and members of different Lutheran congregations participated. Congratulations brothers and sisters for your anniversary.

3.    On the other hand, the Lutheran Church of Los Olivos in San Martín, department of San Salvador also was celebrating its Twenty fourth anniversary of pastoral ministry in that community. In the act, that was celebrated the 24 of November, participated the representative of the Bishop for the Central Zone, Rev. Eliseo Rodriguez, and members of several Lutheran congregations of San Salvador. Congratulations brothers and sisters for your anniversary.

4.    That same day, the “Divine Redeemer” Lutheran Church in the city of San Miguel commemorated the twenty second anniversary of the death of Pastor David Fernandez, assassinated the 24 of November of 1984 by the Armed Forces. In the celebration Bishop Medardo Gomez was present and members of different Lutheran congregations from the Eastern Zone of the country. In addition, after the celebration in the church the congregation was moved towards the community of El Progreso to take to an adjustment flowers in the place where Pastor Fernandez was assassinated.

5.    A delegation of five people visited us from the 26 of November to the 2 of December. They represented Messiah Lutheran Church, St Mark’s Lutheran Church and Lutheran Ministry Campus in Marquette, MI. During their visit they spent three days sharing with their sister church Resurgent of Martyrs in the Community Monsignor Romero, Suchitoto. Thanks brothers and sisters from Marquette for your visit.

6.    Pastor Santiago Rodriguez Jr. of “Heroes of the Faith” Lutheran Church in Tonacatepeque was invited by his sister church “St John” in Brookfield, WI. to celebrate with them the anniversary of their congregation. In this sense, Pastor Rodriguez traveled to Brookfield from the 15 of November to the 5 of December, occasion that also took advantage to visit several congregations in Milwaukee who have sister churches in El Salvador.

Durante el mes de noviembre se ha registrado importantes acontecimientos en la vida nacional del país, entre los que se pueden mencionar:

1.    El principal problema del país en este mes continúa siendo el problema de la salud. Por más de dos meses y medio los médicos y trabajadores del Instituto Salvadoreño del Seguro Social (ISSS) se declararon en contra de la privatización del Sistema Médico que el gobierno estaba impulsando. En ese sentido, ellos ha realizado huelgas, marchas de protesta, actos religiosos, etc. Hace aproximadamente tres semanas la Asamblea Legislativa aprobó un decreto que prohíbe las privatizaciones. Después de la aprobación de dicho decreto, se instaló una mesa de negociación con la medicación de la Iglesia Católica Romana; pero al mismo tiempo, los sectores dominantes del país cercanos al partido de gobierno han desarrollado toda una campaña en contra del decreto, y de desprestigio de los sindicatos de médicos y trabajadores. Por ello, la huelga no ha terminado, las protestas tampoco, y la mesa de diálogo no ha logrado ningún acuerdo. Los médicos y trabajadores exigen ahora el reinstalo de los trabajadores despedidos durante la huelga y el pago de salario de varios meses que no se les ha entregado. Lo más grave de este problema es que el gobierno ha empezado a reprimir las protestas. El pasado 27 de noviembre hubo un enfrentamiento entre los manifestantes y la policía en el área de los hospitales. La Policía atacó al pueblo con gas lacrimógeno, balas de goma y una pipa de agua. Varias personas resultaron heridas como consecuencia de este enfrentamiento. El día 28 otra manifestación fue reprimida de la misma forma. Nuestra iglesia se ha pronunciado al respecto: “Creemos que ha llegado el momento de mostrar una verdadera voluntad para solucionar la crisis del sistema de salud. Por una parte, el gremio médico y los trabajadores de salud necesitan suficientes garantías laborales para su regreso a sus puestos de trabajo, y por otro lado el gobierno debe mostrarse como un verdadero Estado al servicio de la ciudadanía.

2.    En medio de ese conflicto social en El Salvador se están desarrollando, desde el pasado 24 de noviembre, los Juegos Olímpicos Centroamericanos y del Caribe. Por tal motivo el presidente de Venezuela, Hugo Chávez, visitó El Salvador debido a que un atleta venezolano se ahogó en el Lago de Coatepeque. Las relaciones diplomáticas y cordiales entre los presidentes de ambos países se reestablecieron. Como iglesia pensamos que: “A la par del clima de conflictividad social por la problemática de salud, los juegos deportivos se van desarrollando con un espíritu de fraternidad que debería motivar a que se busque una solución en beneficio de los usuarios y usuarias de la seguridad social y la salud pública.”

Acontecimientos importante en nuestra iglesia durante el mes de noviembre:

1.    Una delegación de 14 personas procedentes de Holy Comforter Lutheran Church y Salem Lutheran Church en Baltimore, MD. nos visitaron del 7 al 14 de noviembre. La Iglesia Salem ya tiene establecida una hermandad con la Iglesia Luterana “Juan 3:16” en Guaymango, Ahuachapán; mientras que Holy Comforter aprovechó la visita para establecer una hermandad con la Iglesia Luterana en la Comunidad San Alfonso, municipio de San Francisco Menéndez, Ahuachapán, la cual fue inaugurada con el nombre de Iglesia Luterana “Santa Comodidad”. Gracias hermanos y hermanas de Salem y Holy Comforter por su visita.

2.    La Iglesia Luterana “Renacer de los Mártires” en la Comunidad Monseñor Romero, municipio de Suchitoto en el departamento de Cuscatlán estuvo celebrando su Octavo aniversario el pasado 17 de noviembre. En el acto participaron nuestro Obispo Medardo Gómez y miembros de diferentes congregaciones luteranas.

3.    Por su parte, La Iglesia Luterana de Los Olivos, San Martín en el departamento de San Salvador también estuvo celebrando su Vigésimo Cuarto aniversario de ministerio pastoral en esa comunidad. En el acto, que se celebró el 24 de noviembre, participó el representante del Obispo para la Zona Central, Rev. Eliseo Rodríguez, y miembros de varias congregaciones luteranas de San Salvador.

4.    Ese mismo día, la Iglesia Luterana “El Divino Redentor” en la ciudad de San Miguel, conmemoró el vigésimo segundo aniversario de la muerte el pastor David Fernández, asesinado el 24 de noviembre de 1984 por la fuerza armada. En la celebración estuvo presente el Obispo Medardo Gómez y miembros de diferentes congregaciones luteranas de la Zona Oriental del país. Además, después de la celebración en la iglesia la congregación se trasladó hacia la comunidad de El Progreso para llevar una arreglo flores en el lugar en donde el pastor Fernández fue asesinado.

5.    Una delegación de cinco personas nos visitó del 26 de noviembre al 2 de diciembre. Ellos representaban a Messiah Lutheran Church, St Marḱs Lutheran Church y Lutheran Campus Ministry en Marquette, MI. Durante su visita se estuvieron tres días compartiendo con su iglesia hermana “Renacer de los Mártires” en la Comunidad Monseñor Romero de Suchitoto. Gracias hermanos y hermanas de Marquette por su visita.

6.    El Pastor Santiago Rodríguez hijo de la Iglesia Luterana Héroes de la Fe en Tonacatepeque fue invitado por su Iglesia Hermana St John Lutheran Church en Brookfield, WI. Para celebrar con ellos el aniversario de su congregación. En este sentido, el pastor Rodríguez viajó a Brookfield del 15 de noviembre al 5 de diciembre, ocasión que también aprovechó para visitar varias congregaciones en Milwaukee que tienen iglesias hermana sen El Salvador.

Important events in El Salvador, during the month of October.

1.    The conflict between the Workers and Doctors of the Salvadoran Institute of Social Security (SISS) and the governmental authorities has been deepened. The workers and doctors demand to the government the approval of a Law that prohibits the privatization of the system of Health in El Salvador. Initially, the political parties of opposition of the Legislative Assembly approved a decree that prohibited the privatization of the health, but it was vetoed by the President of the Republic. On the other hand, the President sent to the Legislative Assembly three proposals of Law so that they were approved in which he presents a “National Plan of Health”, which implies to buy services of health to private clinics. The Assembly has not approved these three proposals of Law, and in its place, the opposition approved another decree that prohibits the privatization of Health, which not yet has been neither sanctioned nor vetoed by the President. At the moment there are 10 hospitals of the national network of health in strike per indefinite time. Our Church has been accompanying the workers and doctors of SISS, simultaneously that we demand the government of the republic that integrates a dialogue table to look for a solution of this conflict.

2.    The 12 of October, date in which the discovery of America is commemorated, different sectors of the civil society made protests at Central American level. More than 23 thousand members of communal and farmers organizations of the Salvadoran social movement made a total of at least 14 peaceful concentrations in different points of the country to integrate to the actions made by the Continental Social Alliance in all Latin America and more specifically in Central America, within the framework of the campaign "the Shout of the Excluded ones" to express their protest against the imposition of Commercial Treaties and to the Plan Puebla Panama. In addition they wanted to express their opposition to the governmental policy of president Flores, specially against the privatization of the public health.

Important aspects in our Lutheran Church.

1.    On October 2, the Lutheran Church in San Jorge, San Miguel commemorated the 10th anniversary of the death of the pastor Napoleón Vásquez. In the activity participated Bishop Medardo Gomez and representatives of different Lutheran congregations.

2.    The 16 of October our church held a workshop on Free Trade Agreements (FTA) for the pastoral body and leaders of the Church. Near 50 people participated, and had as a objective to inform on FTA, the Plan Puebla Panama (PPP) and the Area of Free Commerce for America (AFTA) in which our country participates, and its impact in the national economy and the Salvadoran population.

3.    A delegation of 6 people, integrated by representatives of the Lutheran Church and Reformed Church in the Western Zone of the country, traveled to Holland, from the 7 to the 27 of October. The intention of this visit was to interchange faith experiences and to define strategies to give pursuit and to fortify the existing brotherhood between the Reformed Church of Holland and the Lutheran and Reformed Churches of the West of our country.

4.    A delegation 10 of people of the United Church of Christ in Iowa visited us form 21 to the 25 of October. During their stay with our church, the delegation from Iowa worked in the construction of the yard (to put cement on it) in the Lutheran School of Los Olivos in San Martín. Thank you brothers and sisters from Iowa for your solidarity.

5.    The team of coordination of the Lutheran Institute for Theological Education and Reflexion (ILFORET) traveled to Honduras from the 29 of October to the 1 of November. The intention of the visit was to support to the Christian Lutheran Church of Honduras (CLCH) in its activities of celebration of the 485 years of the reformation of the church. At night of the 29 and 30 two forums were celebrated on the reform, in the facilities of the “Resurrection” Lutheran Church in Tegucigalpa, in which 40 people from several churches participated. The 30 and 31 of October a workshop on Lutheran Doctrine was made at “Jesus is my Pastor” Lutheran Church, in the community of Villanueva. In the workshop 30 leaders of the CLCH participated. Finally, the 31 at night we celebrated the cult of the reformation at “Camino de Emaus” Lutheran Church in the Community of Suyapa, Tegucigalpa. Near 100 people from different congregations participated in this cult. This interchange fortified the brotherhood between CLCH and ILFORTET, and the participant members. Thanks Matute, Milly, Rubi and Oscar for so pretty experience.

6.    From Reformation Lutheran Church in Lancaster, South Carolina two people arrived, from the 1 to the 5 of November. Pastor Joe Bailey and brother Andrew came driving from Lancaster with a vehicle that was donated for the pastoral work in the communities of the Guaycume, Colon, Brisas del Valle and Loma de Ramos. Thanks Joe and Andrew for your friendship, support and solidarity.

marraskuu

Eventos importante en El Salvador, durante el mes de Octubre.

1.    El conflicto entre los Trabajadores y Médicos del Instituto Salvadoreño del Seguro Social (ISSS) y las autoridades gubernamentales se ha profundizado. Los trabajadores y médicos exigen al gobierno la aprobación de una Ley que prohíba la privatización del sistema de Salud en El Salvador. Inicialmente, los partidos de oposición de la Asamblea Legislativa aprobaron un decreto que prohibía la privatización del salud, pero fue vetado por el Presidente de la República. Por su parte, el Presidente envió a la Asamblea Legislativa tres propuestas de Ley para que fueran aprobadas en las cuales se presenta un “Plan de Salud Nacional”, el cual implica comprar servicios de salud a clínicas privadas. La Asamblea no ha aprobado estas tres propuestas de Ley, y en su lugar, la oposición aprobó otro decreto que prohíbe la privatización de Salud, el cual aún no ha sido ni sancionado ni vetado por el Presidentes. Actualmente hay 10 hospitales de la red nacional de salud en paro de labores por tiempo indefinido. Nuestra Iglesia ha estado acompañando a los trabajadores y médicos del ISSS, a la vez que exigimos al gobierno de la república que integre una mesa de diálogo para buscar una solución a este conflicto.

2.    El 12 de octubre, fecha en la que se conmemora el descubrimiento de América, diferentes sectores de la sociedad civil realizaron protestas a nivel centroamericano. Mas de 23 mil miembros de organizaciones campesinas y comunales del movimiento social salvadoreño, realizaron un total de por lo menos 14 concentraciones pacificas en distintos puntos del país para integrarse a las acciones que realizó la Alianza Social Continental en toda América Latina y mas específicamente en Centroamérica, en el marco de la campaña "El Grito de los Excluidos" para expresar su protesta en contra de la imposición de los Tratados Comerciales y al Plan Pueblo Panamá. Además quiso expresar su oposición a la política gubernamental del presidente Flores, especialmente en contra de la privatización de la salud publica.

Aspectos importantes en nuestra Iglesia Luterana

1.    2 de octubre, La Iglesia Luterana en San Jorge, San Miguel conmemoró 10 aniversario de la muerte del pastor Napoleón Vásquez. En la actividad asistió el Obispo Medardo Gómez y representantes de diferentes congregaciones.

2.    16 de octubre nuestra iglesia realizó un taller sobre Tratados de Libre Comercio para el cuerpo pastoral y líderes de la Iglesia. Cerca de 50 personas participaron, y tuvo como objetivo informar sobre Los Tratados de Libre Comercio (TLC), El Plan Puebla Panamá (PPP) y El Área de Libre Comercio para América (ALCA) en los cuales nuestro país participa, y su impacto en la economía nacional y la población salvadoreña.

3.    Una delegación de 6 personas, integrada por representantes de la Iglesia Luterana e Iglesia Reformada en la Zona Occidental del país, viajaron a Holanda, del 7 al 27 de octubre. El propósito de esta visita era el de intercambiar experiencias de fe y definir estrategias para darle seguimiento y fortalecer la hermandad existente entre la Iglesia Reformada de Holanda y las Iglesias Luteranas y Reformadas del Occidente de nuestro país.

4.    Una delegación de 10 personas de la Iglesia unida de Cristo en Iowa nos visitó del 21 al 25 de octubre. Durante su estadía con nuestra iglesia, la delegación de Iowa trabajó en la construcción del patio en la Escuela Luterana de Los Olivos en San Martín. Gracias hermanos y hermanas de Iowa por su solidaridad.

5.    El equipo de coordinación del Instituto Luterano de Formación y Reflexión Teológica (ILFORET) viajó a Honduras del 29 de octubre al 1 de noviembre. El propósito de la visita era apoyar a la Iglesia Cristiana Luterana de Honduras en sus actividades de celebración de los 485 de la reforma de la iglesia. Por la noche del 29 y 30 se celebraron dos foros sobre la reforma, en las instalaciones de la Iglesia Luterana La Resurrección en Tegucigalpa, en el cual participaron 40 personas de varias iglesias. El 30 y 31 se realizó un taller sobre Doctrina Luterana en la Iglesia Luterana “Jesús es Mi Pastor” en la comunidad de Villanueva. En el taller participaron 30 líderes de la ICLH. Finalmente, el 31 por la noche celebramos el culto de la reforma en la Iglesia Luterana “Camino de Emaús” en la comunidad Suyapa de Tegucigalpa. Cerca de 100 personas de las diferentes congregaciones participaron en este culto. Este intercambio fortaleció la hermandad entre la ILCH e ILFORTET, y entre los miembros participantes. Gracias Matute, Milly, Rubí y Oscar por tan bonita experiencia.

6.    De la Iglesia Luterana “La Reforma” en Lancaster, Carolina del Sur llegaron dos personas, del 1 al 5 de noviembre. El pastor Joe Baley y Andrés vinieron manejando desde Lancaster con un vehículo que fue donado para el trabajo pastoral en las comunidades de El Guaycume, Colón, Brisas del Valle y Loma de Ramos. Gracias Joe y Andrés por su amistad, apoyo y solidaridad.

lokakuu

Some more important aspects of the Salvadoran national reality are:

1.    The conflict between the doctors and workers of the Salvadoran Institute of the Social Insurance (ISSS) and the governmental authorities has complicated so much. Since the month of August they initiated the problems because the unions were against the process of privatization of health that is being developed by the government. When doctors and workers were not listened they began to make “labor stops”, before which the authorities of the ISSS responded firing some workers who had participated in the “stops” and refusing to negotiate the problematic. During the last week several hospitals have paralysed their workings, the doctors gave the Hospital of Oncology, and the Surgical Medical Hospital, whereas the National Hospital and several other hospitals have made “labor stops” in solidarity with the workers and doctors of the ISSS. The Office of the General Judge Advocate of Human Rights has made an energetic call to the Government and the Unions so that they urgently look for a negotiated solution to the conflict, since that situation is affecting the population that needs the medical services. Our Church has also pronounced: “As a Church, we think that the health is a good so vitally necessary for our people, that It shouldn’t have to exist requirements to enjoy that fundamental human right. For that reason, as it orders the Constitution of the Republic, it is primarily the State that is called and forced to guarantee that so human right is satisfied in benefit of the citizenship. We reject any attempt to use the subject of the health with electoral intentions. And we do not see well that one responds with great power and refusal to the dialogue before the search of solutions or that is to deflected the problematic that really exists.

2.    The Supreme Court of Justice (SCJ) has been making, for several months, a process of investigation of the judges of the republic. The preliminary investigation demonstrated that there were near 200 judges and lawyers who had irregular titles (Degrees). Then, the investigation was concentrated in the 98 indicated judges. Up until this date the SCJ has fired 30 judges because it was demonstrated that there are irregularities in the obtaining of their university degrees. Reason why the Lutheran Church declared: “We have received with satisfaction the announcement of the Supreme Court of Justice about the concrete beginning and in the practice of the judicial purification. When it seemed that the subject of the fraudulent titles was being in the forgetfulness, the Court comes with this news that represents a hope in the combat against the corruption and impunity. It cheers us and we thank to God, because when abuses, arbitraryties or attacks against the citizenship in the middle of as much crisis of institutionality are committed, we think that the Supreme Court of Justice constitutes the best guarantee for the defense of the State of Right.

3.    The Isidore hurricane that passed by Cuba and arrived until Yucatan, Mexico, also affected the western zone of our country, destroying the harvests of that zone. Before such situation our Lutheran Church was declared in alert and it was willing to take care of the families affected by this hurricane. Shelter, basic feeding, sheets, medicine and articles of first necessity were to the disposition of 165 people who were affected by the hurricane in the area of Ahuachapán. “Before the threat to the life, it does not have to exist colors or political interests, neither a competition to appear before the public opinion. With that sincere and wished declaration, we feel very satisfied of being part of the aid to the affected population by the floods in the South of Ahuachapán. When God our Father commands us to serve to his sons and daughters most needed, he calls us to serve to all in an equal way.

Some important activities in our Church during the month of September:

1.    The 6 of September, our office celebrated the Second Encounter of Sister Churches. 58 people coming from 29 congregations and communities participated. The encounter initiated with a devotional act to thank God and to invoke his presence. Then, we had an analysis of the national reality, later an speech and reflection on the subject of the sisterhoods (what it is, why to have them, how to improve them, etc.); and it was finalized with a financial report corresponding to the first semester of this year.

2.    The 10 of September to the midnight we had an assault at the facilities of “Redeemer Lutheran Church” in Cabañitas. The assailants robbed objects and instruments of the Beauty Academy, broke a door of the Temple and profaned the altar of the Church: with the pastoral utensils and articles they did a satanic altar in the middle of the temple creating dread and consternation in the community of faith and to the community itself. As Lutheran Synod we condemned this fact, which is contradictory to the great social work that in that congregation is made. We asked God for pastor Francisco Aguilar and the congregation, at the same time we animate them to continue ahead with their work.

3.    The 11 of September our church, along with other denominations and religions, made an interdenominational act to commemorate the victims of the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. Before it our church said: “We pray and ask to God for people of the United States, particularly for the families of the victims caused by the attacks of the 11 of September.... To a year of the tragedy, the world far from finding peace, is on the brink of another world war before the military threat in Iraq. The 11 of September motivated a great world-wide alliance against the terrorism, but also it gave the chance for the total aggression to the Palestinian people. We condemn the terror comes from where it comes and we are convinced that the terror must not be combated with more terror, because it generates more terror. We believe in a fortified alliance to combat the terrorist violence in the world, but of a focused way, identifying and applying the justice to those who are responsible for this horrible flagellum. But the persons or the groups are not the nations or the countries so that they suffer rights for sinners.

4.    The 15 of September, Montes de Peizberg Lutheran Church celebrated the first anniversary of the community “Independence”. The act initiated with a procession with music of band and a decorated car from the entrance of the community, then they had a cult of thanksgiving, followed of a music concert, to finish with the blessing of the new houses constructed in the lotification Valle Dorado.

5.    The 22 of September the Resurrection Lutheran Church in San Salvador celebrated its 30 anniversary of foundation. In the act of thanksgiving the Bishop Gomez and some founder members made a story on the different moments by which has passed the Church in its thirty years of work. After the religious act, in which representants of different congregations participated, they had congregacional sharing and music of band. Congratulations.

6.    The 27 of September our Sister Parish Office imparted a Biblical study in the “Spirit of Joy “Lutheran Church in the community of Brisas del Valle, municipality of Guazapa. The study was made on the subject of “Women in the Bible” with the purpose of educating the congregation on the that women played in the Bible, the treatment that Jesus gave them, their leadership in the Primitive Christian Church and their present participation in our churches. 34 people attended the study.

7.    A delegation of 4 people from Trinity Presbyterian Church in Indianola, Iowa visited our country from the 14 to the 21 of September. This delegation visited its sister community, San Isidro, in the municipality of Berlin, department of Usulután, to fortify the sisterhood and their support to the projects in that zone. Thanks Don, Dave, Blair and Mary for your visit.

8.    Vonda and Linda, from St John Lutheran Church in Brookfield, WI. Arrived to our country the 26 of September. These sisters are visiting and sharing with their sister parish “Heroes of Faith” Lutheran Church in Tonacatepeque, and they will remain in that congregation until the 6 of October.

9.    Baerbell Funnfsin, secretary for Latin America of the Lutheran Church in Norelbia, Germany, also is visiting us from the 29 of September to the 4 of October. Sister Baerbel has arrived to share with our church and to visit and meet with the different instances of our synod that receive financial support from her office. Thanks sister Barbara for your visit.

Algunos aspectos más importantes de la realidad nacional salvadoreña son:

1.    El conflicto entre los médicos y trabajadores del Instituto Salvadoreño del Seguro Social y las autoridades gubernamentales se ha complicado mucho. Desde el mes de agosto iniciaron los problemas porque los sindicatos se opusieron al proceso de privatización de la salud que se está desarrollando. Al no ser escuchados los médicos y trabajares empezaron a realizar paros laborales, ante lo cual las autoridades del ISSS respondieron despidiendo a algunos trabajadores que habían participados de los paros y negándose a negociar la problemática. Durante la semana pasada varios hospitales han paralizado sus labores, los médicos entregaron el Hospital de Oncología, Hospital Médico Quirúrgico, mientras que el Hospital Nacional y varios otros hospitales ha realizado paros laborales en solidaridad con los trabajadores y médicos del ISSS. La Procuraduría para la Defensa de los Derechos Humanos ha hecho un enérgico llamado al Gobierno y a los Sindicatos para que busquen urgentemente una solución negociada al conflicto, ya que esa situación está afectando a la población que necesita de los servicios médicos. Nuestra Iglesia también se ha pronunciado: “Como Iglesia, creemos que la salud es un bien tan vitalmente necesario para nuestro pueblo, que no debería existir condicionamientos para gozar de ese fundamental derecho humano. Por eso, como lo ordena la Constitución de la República, es primariamente el Estado quien está llamado y obligado a garantizar que tal derecho humano sea satisfecho en beneficio de la ciudadanía. Rechazamos cualquier intento de utilizar el tema de la salud con propósitos electoreros. Y no vemos bien que se responda con prepotencia y negativa al diálogo ante la búsqueda de soluciones o que se trate de desvirtuar la problemática que realmente existe”.

2.    La Corte Suprema de Justicia (CSJ) ha realizo desde hace varios meses un proceso de investigación de los jueces de la república. La investigación preliminar demostró que habían cerca de 200 jueces y abogados que tenían títulos irregulares. Luego la investigación se concentró en los 98 jueces señalados. Hasta esta fecha la CSJ ha despedido a 30 jueces por habérseles demostrado irregularidades en la obtención de sus títulos universitarios. Por lo que la Iglesia Luterana declaró: “Hemos recibido con satisfacción el anuncio de la Corte Suprema de Justicia sobre el inicio concreto y en la práctica de la depuración judicial. Cuando parecía que el asunto de los títulos fraudulentos estaba quedando en el olvido, viene la Corte con esta noticia que representa una esperanza en el combate contra la corrupción y la impunidad. Nos alegra y damos gracias a Dios, porque cuando se cometen abusos, arbitrariedades o atentados contra la ciudadanía en medio de tanta crisis de institucionalidad, pensamos en que la Corte Suprema de Justicia constituye la mejor garantía para la defensa del Estado de Derecho”.

3.    El huracán Isidore que pasó por Cuba hasta Yucatán, México también afectó la zona occidental de nuestro país, destruyendo a su paso los cultivos de esa zona. Ante tal situación nuestra Iglesia Luterana se declaró en alerta y se dispuso a atender a las familias afectadas por esta tormenta tropical. Refugio, alimentación básica, sábanas, medicina y artículos de primera necesidad estuvieron a disposición de unas 165 personas que fueron afectadas por este huracán en el área de Ahuachapán. “Ante la amenaza a la vida, no debe existir colores o intereses políticos, como tampoco una competencia por figurar ante la opinión pública. Con esa declaración sincera y deseada, nos sentimos muy satisfechos de formar parte de la ayuda a la población afectada por las inundaciones en el Sur de Ahuachapán. Cuando Dios nuestro Padre nos manda a servir a sus hijos e hijas más necesitados(as), nos llama a servir a todos y todas por igual.”

Algunas actividades importantes en nuestra Iglesia:

1.    El 6 de septiembre, nuestra oficina celebró el II Encuentro de Iglesias Hermanas. 58 personas procedentes de 29 congregaciones y comunidades participaron. El encuentro inició con un acto devocional para dar gracias a Dios e invocar su presencia. Luego se tuvo un análisis de la realidad nacional, posteriormente una exposición y reflexión sobre el tema de las hermandades (qué es, por qué tenerlas, cómo mejorarlas, etc.); y se finalizó con un informe financiero correspondiente al primer semestre de este año.

2.    El 10 de septiembre a la medianoche hubo un asalto en las instalaciones de la Iglesia Luterana El Redentor, en Cabañitas. Los asaltantes robaron objetos e instrumentos de la Academia de Cosmetología, rompieron una puerta del Templo y profanaron el altar de la Iglesia: con los utensilios y prendas pastorales hicieron un altar satánico en medio del templo creando pavor y consternación en la comunidad de fe y a la comunidad misma. Como Sínodo Luterano condenamos este hecho, el cual es contradictorio a la magna labor social que en esa congregación se realiza. Pedimos a Dios por el pastor Francisco Aguilar y la congregación, al mismo tiempo que les animamos a continuar adelante en su trabajo.

3.    El 11 de septiembre nuestra iglesia, junto con otras denominaciones y religiones, realizaron un acto interconfesional para conmemorar las víctimas de los actos terroristas en Nueva York y Washington. Ante lo cual nuestra la iglesia opinó: “Oramos y pedimos por el pueblo de los Estados Unidos, particularmente por las familias de las víctimas provocadas por los atentados del 11 de septiembre.... A un año de la tragedia, el mundo lejos de encontrar la paz, se encuentra al borde de otra conflagración mundial ante la amenaza de guerra en Irak. El 11 de septiembre motivó una gran alianza mundial contra el terrorismo, pero también dio el banderillazo para la agresión total al pueblo palestino. Condenamos el terror venga de donde venga y estamos convencidos que el terror no se debe combatir con más terror, pues ello engendra más terror. Creemos en una alianza fortalecida para combatir la violencia terrorista en el mundo, pero de una manera focalizada, identificando y aplicando la justicia a quienes son responsables de este horrible flagelo. Pero las personas o los grupos no son las naciones o los pueblos para que sufran justos por pecadores”

4.    El 15 de septiembre, la Iglesia Luterana Montes de Peizber celebró el primer aniversario de la comunidad Independencia. El acto inició con una procesión con músicas de banda y carrosa desde la entrada de la comunidad, luego tuvieron un culto de acción de gracias, seguido de un concierto de música, para terminar con la bendición de las nuevas viviendas construidas en la lotificación Valle Dorado.

5.    El 22 de septiembre la Iglesia Luterana La Resurrección celebró su 30 aniversario de fundación. En el acto de acción de gracias el Obispo Gómez y algunos miembros fundadores hicieron un relato sobre los diferentes momentos por los que ha pasado la Iglesia en sus treinta años de funcionar. Después del acto religioso en el que participaron representantes de diferentes congregaciones, se tuvo un convivio congregacional y música de banda.

6.    El 27 de septiembre nuestra oficina de Iglesias Hermanas impartió un estudio bíblico en la Iglesia Luterana “Espíritu de Gozo”, en la comunidad Brisas del Valle, municipio de Guazapa. Es estudio se realizó sobre el tema de “Las mujeres en la Biblia” con el propósito de educar a la congregación sobre el rol importante que las mujeres jugaron en la Biblia, el trato que Jesús les dio, su liderazgo en la Iglesia Cristiana Primitiva y su participación actual en nuestras iglesias. 34 personas asistieron al estudio.

7.    Una delegación de 4 personas de Trinity Presbiterian Church en Indianola, Iowa visitó nuestro país del 14 al 21 de septiembre. Esta delegación visitó su comunidad hermana, San Isidro, en el municipio de Berlín, departamento de Usulután, para fortalecer la hermandad y le apoyo a proyectos en esa zona. Gracias Don, Dave, Blair and Mary por su visita.

8.    Vonda y Linda, de St John Lutheran Church en Broockfield, WI. llegaron el 26 de septiembre. Estas hermanas están visitando y compartiendo con su Iglesia Hermana “Héroes de la Fe” en Tonacatepeque, y se quedarán en esa congregación hasta el 6 de octubre.

9.    Baerbell Funnfsin, secretaria para América Latina de la Iglesia Luterana en Norelbia, Alemania, también nos visita desde el 29 de septiembre hasta el 4 de octubre. La hermana Baerbel ha llegado para compartir con nuestra iglesia y para visitar y reunirse con las diferentes instancias de nuestro sínodo que reciben apoyo financiero de su oficina. Gracias hermana Barbara por tu visita.

syyskuu

Important events of the national reality during the month of August:

1.    For months, communities around the San Salvador metropolitan area have been protesting against the construction of a proposed beltway, proposed as part of the Plan Puebla-Panama road network and paid for by loans from the Inter-American Development Bank. No environmental or social impact study has been done, in violation of local laws, and over the past year affected communities have turned out in increasing numbers to voice their rejection of the project. At the beginning of this month, several community members maintained a round-the-clock blockade of the construction site, placing their bodies in front of the bulldozers, and community vigilance squads were patrolling the area to ensure that no other demolitions take place. Diferent legislators and mayors from around the country joined the protest in solidarity. Our Church declared about it: "We do not have a closed opposition about the construction of the beltway or any other work that stimulate the national development. What we are opposed to is to sacrifice the human and social development for the economicist development. In this sence, we support the public manifestations of protest against the ecological destruction that is produced by this vial project, and we reject the use of police to subdue to those who express publically." The protests are still going on.

2.    On August 1, government agencies fired two union activists from the electricity workers' union and eleven from the health care workers' union. Now that President Bush has been awarded "fast track" authority to negotiate CAFTA (Cental America Free Trade Agreement), the Salvadoran government seeks to eliminate the greatest obstacle to a free trade agreement: public sector unions. The unions have led the charge against the privatization of public services, and against CAFTA and the Plan Puebla-Panama infrastructure megaproject that would turn the region into a giant free trade zone. The salvadoran government is planning to privatize some services (security, cleaning, feeding, maintenance) of the public health care system. This has provoked a confrontation between union and the health authorities. As a church we think that "the State is obligated constitutionally to take care the life of citizens and to give the basic service of health to all the population. What would it happen if this services were incorporated in to the law of offer and demand of the mercantilism where they only look for profit and not to benefit the others. We solidarize with health unions who defend the health service against the plans to grant, which is a disguise of privatization."

3.    On August 15, the Legislative Assembly approved the "Law of National Defense", which grants powers of citizen security to the Armed Forces. Before this threat of militarization of the society, the church declared: "As church historically jeopardizes with the people in its outcry for justice and peace, we have undergone political persecution, attacks and kidnapping. For that reason we are worried and until scared, by how the government and the block of the right in the Legislative Assembly have impelled and approved the called "Law of National Defense", that among other things removes the dark past of the Armed Forces and exposes it to lose the credibility gained from the Peace Accords. We make public our fear that this Law is the answer to the citizen manifestations that had been giving and the announcements of strike of the workers, particularly the ones of the Health Care System. This would be to return to the militarist and police state that produced much mourning to the the nation ".

Activities of our church and delegations that visited us during the month of August.

1.    The 2 of August our church celebrated Fourth anniversary of the ministry of Love and Solidarity. This ministry is oriented to help the people of the street (homelesses, alcoholic, drug addicts, prostitutes, etc) giving them spiritual attention, pastoral couseling and a shelter where they can arrive to obtain feeding, to take a bath or to rest. Thanks sister Trinidad and pastor Alejandro for your work.

2.    The 3 of August our church inaugurated a project of house in the Small village of Los Novillos, municipality of El Rosario, department of La Paz. The project called "Community San Lorenzo" (in honor to San Lorenzo Episcopal Church in Toronto, Canada that donated the land for the construction) includes 74 houses for victims of the earthquake. In the event participated the Bishop of the Episcopal Church in El Salvador, the Mayors of the municipalities of Rosario and Quezaltepeque, several delegations including the one from Canada (San Lorenzo Church) and beneficiaries of the project. Thanks to God for this blessing. That same day at night a "concert-supper" was offered in the Lutheran Cultural Center to benefit the Salvadoran lutheran young people who study Medicine in Cuba.

3.    The Communion of Lutheran Churches in Central America (CILCA) celebrated an encounter of gender in San Salvador, the days 4 and 5 of August. In the event participated near 30 delegates from the Lutheran Churches of Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and El Salvador. In addition the participants integrated themselves to the general celebration of our church, the day 6 of August.

4.    The 5 of August our church celebrated the First National Encounter of Lutheran Children in Manantiales del Desierto Lutheran Church in San Jeronimo, Guazapa. Children representing the different congregations of the North Zone of San Salvador participated. They reflected on the violent situation they face in the Salvadoran society. Al the same time, the church in San Jeronimo celebrated its 7th aniversary of pastoral work in that area.

5.    The 6 of August the Luterana Church had its greater celebration. The celebration of that day is dedicadad to the Divine Savior of the World (patron of El Salvador), occasion that was also taken advantage to celebrate the 16th anniversary of the Salvadoran Lutheran Episcopacy and 50 years of lutheran presence in the Savador. The activity began with a march that crossed the main streets of the capital city, arrived at Resurrection Lutheran Church where a devocional act was held. Near 5 thousand people from the different lutheran congregations at national level participated in this event. At night, our church offered a danceable party of felloship and to dismiss the different delegations that visited us. Thanks to all brothers and sisters who participated in this activity and to all the different delegations that accompanied us.

6.    6 people from "Bread of Life" Lutheran Church in Jayaque traveled to visit their Sister Parish in Peizberg, Germany, from the 20 of July to the 10 of August. Without a any doubt, this experience has fortified the faith and the sisterhood between both churches. Thanks brothers of Peizber for your invitation and support to the church in Jayaque.

7.    Mike Wilker, from Iglesia Luterana de Christ in New York visited us from the 26 of July to the 15 of August. Pastor Wilker participated in all the activities of our church and in addition he took advantage to take Spanish classes at the International Center of Solidarity. Thanks for your visit, Mike.

8.    A delegation of 14 people visited us from Gloria Dei! Lutheran Church in Anapoles, MD, from the 29 of July to the 7 of August. The brothers and sisters of Anapoles arrived to participate in the activities of our church. In addition they spent three days in "The Redeemer" Lutheran Church in Cabañitas, Apopa, where they shared school kits with near 300 students and teachers of Cabañitas Lutheran School, played with the children of the school and the community, offered medical consultations for two days, painted the Multi Purpose Hall and the Beaty Academy Room, and worked in the repair of a hall that is being fixed to put a coomunitarian bakery. The experienica in Cabañitas was excellent since it connected and approached both churches. Thanks pastors Tom and Ana, Julie, Diego and the others for your wonderful visit. Here is a testimony from Julie, one of the participants: "People keep asking, "How was your trip?" My response-"Awesome, very humbling, but AWESOME!" I don't know how else to describe it. Not once during the whole mission trip to El Salvador, did I feel unwelcome. Yes-I did feel a great deal of unease with armed officers on almost every street corner in San Salvador, the constant reminders not to drink the water unless bottled, and to not eat any food that couldn't be peeled or was uncooked-and in regards to the weather, yes, it was HOT! But, these were all a part of the EXPERIENCE! And you know what, I discovered that God was right there beside me, experiencing and urging me on, daring me out of my comfort zone, pushing me to jump right in-head first-shouting, "GO FOR IT!" And I did, BIG TIME!"

9.    A group of 10 people from San Lorenzo Epispocal Church in Toronto, Canada, also visited us, from the 30 of July to the 18 of August. The group was coordinated by Father Hernan Astudillo, who from the last year has organized and collected support for the communities affected by earthquakes. This is the second occasion that has organized the "Caravan of Hope" and has brought 5 buses in each occasion donated for several communities of the country. Thanks brothers and sisters from Canada for your solidarity.

10.    Another delegation of 11 people arrived representing several congregations of the Greater Milwaukee Synod in WI. They were in the country from the 1 to the 9 of August. Besides to participate in the activities of our church, they also visited the "Apostles of Christ" Lutheran Church in Apopa, the Community of Rutilio Grande in El Paisnal, and "Bread of Life" Church in Jayaque. Thanks sister Mary Campbell for your visit and the delegation.

11.    Uta Andree from the Lutheran Church in Heidelberg, Germany visited us from the 31 of July to the 12 of August. Sister Uta, besides to participate in the activities of the Church, shared with "Apostles of Christ" Lutheran Church in Apopa, and took advantage of the ocassion to continue her investigation on the Theology of the Life". Thanks Uta for your visit.

12.    Raquel Rodriguez, Director for Latin America and the Caribbean of the ELCA visited us from the 3 to the 9 of August. The Rev.Raquel also participated in all the activities of our church, met with different instances of the Church, to which the ELCA supports financially, and took the opportunity to also visit the lutheran churches of Honduras and Costa Rica. Thanks Raquel for your visit. It was nice to see you again.

13.    A delegation of 22 people visited us from the 31 of July to the 7 of August. The delegation was integrated by 11 people from "Lord of Life" Lutheran Church in Schaumburg, IL; 1 person from "Our Redeener" Lutheran Church in South Dakota; 6 people from "Light of Christ" Lutheran Church in Chicago; and 4 people from "Christ the King" Lutheran Church also in Chicago. The delegation from Chicago shared our celebrations and spent one night with families at "Miracle of God" Lutheran Church, in Guaycume, Guazapa. This delegation also donated a computer for our office. Thanks Anna-Kary and Kristian for your delegation.

14.    From the Lutheran Church in Munich, Germany, a delegation of 5 people visited us, from the 3 to the 14 of August. The delegation was integrated by the Dean and the President of the Deanship of Munich and by 3 people of the Luterana Church in Freimann. This delegation participated in our activities; visited the community of Emaus in Guazapa; the Lutheran Church in Los Olivos, San Martín; The Churches of "Christ the King" and "La Lobato" in Santa Ana, and "VAMOS Foundation" of El Salvador. On the 7 of July we celebrated with them the 10th anniversary and reaffirmed the sisterhood between the Deanship of Munich and the Salvadoran Lutheran Church. Thanks brothers of Germany for visiting us. Brother Helmut and his wife stayed in El Salvador until the 24 of August.

15.    A group of 7 people from the United Church of Christ in PA. visited us from the 3 to the 10 of August. The brigade arrived to work in the construction of houses for affected families by the earthquakes of the last year, in the city of Guadalupe, department of San Vicente. A new group of 10 people arrived with the same intention, from the 10 to the 17 of August. These brigades are coordinated by the Engineer Mark Gonzalez, the construction of houses is financed by the United Church of Christ and the Disciples of Christ Church in the United States. Thanks brothers and sisters for your solidarity.

16.    A delegation of 11 people visited us from the 12 to the 20 of August. They were representing the different groups of solidarity with El Salvador in Germany. Among them, there were people who already have lived and worked in El Salvador. Their purpose was to visit and to meet with the different institutions which they make work of solidarity with.

17.    Other three people from the Lutheran Church in Bavaria, Germany, visited us from the 16 to the 22 of August. They arrived to get to know and to fortify the work of VAMOS Foundation in El Salvador. The group was coordinated by Immanuel Zerger. Thanks you for your visit.

elokuu

Some main national events:

1.    A great amount of employees, mainly young women, underwent a poisoning in Hoońs Maquilera. On friday 5 of July 260 was intoxicated and on Monday the 8th 300 were intoxicated. The opinions of the government on the matter were diversad. Initially they said that it was a "coletive hysteria"; after they affirmed that it was a sabotage to Maquilas or a terrorist attack; finally the investigations of the General Office of the public prosecutor of the Republic concluded that efecticamente it was a poisoning or intoxication. This puts of manifest the conditions of insecurity and high risk in which the people in Maquilas work. On the matter our church think ': "We agree in which the maquilas represent opportunities of work in this country of as much unemployment, but it would not have to happen to expose the security of health or life of those who get to be employed".

2.    Another one of the main aspects in this month has been the "student youth violence" that summoned up the life of 5 young people assassinated in different educative centers. For that reason, the government decided to establish a police network to watch and control the movements of the students, they even decided to arrest all student who was in the streets in hours of class. As church we were against this measurement because we consider that "the generalized violence that the country suffers is not because the young people, but it is due to the situation that the society has inherited to them, reason why to try now to bleam only indicating and blaming to our youth it is not just. The educative system, the organizations who guard by the protection and rights of the childhood and youth, but mainly the parents of family must assume greater protagonism in the formation of our children and daughters".

3.    The union of the Judges denounced to be victims of death threats by phone. In addition they requested the noninterference of the Ejcutive in their work, since with commentaries of the President and Vice-president of the Republic, and of Director of the Civilian National Police before mass media, they have incidence in the population and try to interfere in their work of administrating justice.

4.    The epidemic of Dengue Fever that our our country is having has caused 8 mortals victims already (children). The worse thing of it, is that 3 of these children died by medical negligence. To one of them they diagnosed and treated him like patient of tifoidea fever, the second died because they did not give him the medication that needed despite they had it in the pharmacy of the hospital (there was not one that opened the pharmacy) and the third child died because when the parents took him to the hospital they were told that he did not have anything, three days later they returned with the children but in his final stage. Our church thinks that "this it is a precedent that must take to correct these great weaknesses: in a country with permanent emergency of health, the hospitals and medic services must be openen and pending the 24 hours of the day. In regards to the mistaken diagnoses we think that responsibilities must be deduced and to answer to the families and to the people. In any case, it is necessary to say that they must go to the bottom of the structural causes that allow the weakness of the system of national health "

Between the events of our church we can mention:

1.    The 5 of July, the Sister Parish Office imparted a workshop on lutheran doctrine in "Spirit of Joy" Lutheran Church in the community Brisas del Valle, municipality of Guazapa in the department of San Salvador. 30 people between adults, young people and children participated in this workshop.

2.    On Sunday 14 of July they initiated the celebrations of our church. the receiving of the Bishop was celebrated in "Bread of Life" Lutheran Church in Jayaque, La Libertad. There was a marche by the pricipals streets of the town, a cult and an artistic-cultural event.

3.    The 20 of July our church celebrated the national youth gathering, in which more than one hundred young people from the different lutheran congregations participated. In this encounter the young people reflected on the neoliberalism and its impact in youth, and the youth violence. In addition they elected the king and queen of lutheran youth, who will be crowned by our bishop Góméz, the day of August 6.

4.    From July 2 to 10 we had a delegation of 8 people from the United Methodist Church of Christ in the United States. The Brigade of "Volunteers in Mission" was constructing houses for people   affected by the earthquake in the town of Jayaque, department of L Libertad.

5.    Three people visited us from "Community Lutheran Church" in La Vegas, NV. from the 8 to the 15 of July. Our brothers Ray, Walter and Jerry arrived to share with our church and to continue supporting several diaconical projects. Thanks Ray for your visit, it was nice to have shared with you.

6.    From Kensington Congregational Church in CT the sister Kathy Bryers came to share with the congregations of Jayaque. Sister Bryers shared ten days (from the 10 to the 20 of July) with the people of Jayaque, experience that strengthened the sisterhood between both congregations.

7.    Five people from "Rivers of Living Water" Lutheran Church in San Mauricio, San Salvador visited their sister parish "First Lutheran Church" in Palo Alto, CA. From the 19 to the 30 of July. This also was an important visit that has strengthened the sosterhood between both congregations. Thanks brothers and sisters of Palo Alto for your invitation.

Principales acontecimientos nacionales:

1.    Una gran cantidad de empleados, principalmente mujéres jóvenes, sufrieron una intoxicación en la Maquilera Hoońs. El viernes 5 de julio 260 fueron intoxicadas y el lunes 8 hubo 300 intoxicados. Las opiniones del gobierno al respecto fueron diversad. Inicialmente dijeron que se trataba de una "histeria coletiva"; luego afirmaron que era "sabotaje a las maquilas" o que se trataba de un ataque terrorista; finalmente las investigaciones de la Fiscalía General de la República concluyó que efectivamente se trataba de una intoxicación. Esto pone de manifiesto las condiciones de inseguridad y de alto riesgo en que trabajan las personas en las Maquilas. Al respecto nuestra iglesia opinó: "Estamos de acuerdo en que las maquilas representan oportunidades de trabajo en este país de tanto desempleo, pero ello no debería pasar por exponer la seguridad de la salud o la vida de quienes logran emplearse".

2.    Otro de los aspectos sobresalientes en este mes ha sido la "violencia juvenil estudiantil" que cobró la vida de 5 jóvenes asesinados en distintos centros educativos. Por ello, el gobierno decidió establecer una red policíaca para vigilar y controlar los movimientos del estudiantado nacional, incluso decidieron arrestar a todo estudiante que estuviera en las calles en horas de clase. Como iglesia nos opusimos a esta medida porque consideramos que "la violencia generalizada que el país padece no se debe a los jóvenes, sino a la sociedad que han heredado, por lo que tratar ahora de limpiar responsabilidades sólo señalando y culpando a nuestra juventud no es lo mas justo. El sistema educativo, las organizaciones que velan por la protección y derechos de la niñez y juventud, pero sobre todo los padres y madres de familia debemos asumir mayor protagonismo en la formación de nuestros hijos e hijas".

3.    El gremio de los Jueces denuciaron ser víctimas de amenazas a muerte por telefóno. Además pidieron la no ingerencia del Ejecutivo en sus labores, ya que con los comentarios del Presidente y Vice-Presidente de la República, y de Director de la PNC ante los medios de comunicación, inciden en la ciudadanía y tratan de interferir en los fallos de los jueces.

4.    La epidemia del Dengue Hemorrágico que vive nuestro país ha cobrado ya 8 víctimas mortales (niños y niñas). Lo peor de ello, es que 3 de estos niños murieron por negligencia médica. A uno de ellos le diagnosticaron y lo trataron como enfermo de fiebre tifoidea, el segundo murió porque no le dieron el medicamente que necesitaba a pesar que lo tenían en la farmacia del hospital (no había quien abriera la farmacia) y el tercer niño murió porque cuando los padres lo llevaron al hospital le dijeron que no tenía nada, a los tres días los padres regresaron con el niño enfermo pero en su fase terminal. Nuestra iglesia cree que "este es un precedente que debe llevar a corregir estas grandes debilidades: en una país con permanente emergencia de salud, los hospitales y servicios médicos deben estar abiertos y pendientes las 24 horas del día. En cuanto a los diagnósticos equivocados creemos que se debe deducir responsabilidades y dar respuesta a las familias y al mismo pueblo. En todo caso, es necesario decir que se debe ir al fondo de las causas estructurales que permiten la debilidad del sistema de salud nacional. "
Entre los eventos sobresalientes de nuestra iglesia podemos mencionar:

1.    El 5 de julio la oficina de Iglesias Hermanas Impartió un taller sobre doctrina luterana en la Iglesia Luterana "Espíritu de Gozo" en la comunidad Brisas del Valle municipio de Guazapa en el departamento de San Salvador. 30 personas entre adultos, jóvenes y niños participaron en dicho taller.

2.    El domingo 14 de julio iniciaron las fiestas de nuestra iglesia. se celebró el recibiemiento del Obispo en la Iglesia Luterana "Pan de Vida" en Jayaque. Hubo una marcha por las pricipales calles del pueblo, un culto y una jornada artística-cultural.

3.    El 20 de julio nuestra iglesia celebró el encuentro nacional de jóvenes luteranos, en el cual participaron más de cien jóvenes de las diferentes congregaciones. En este encuentro los jóvenes reflexionaron sobre el neoliberalismo y su impacto en la juventud, y la violencia juvenil. Además eligieron al rey y la reina de la juventud luterana, los cuales serán coronados por nuestro obispo Góméz, el día 6 de agosto.

4.    Del 2 al 10 de julio tuvimos una delegación de 8 personas de la United Methodist Church of Christ en Estados Unidos. La Brigada de "Volunteers in Mission" estuvieron construyendo casas para afectados del terremoto en el pueblo de Jayaque, departamento de La Libertad.

5.    Tres personas nos visitaron de "Community Lutheran Church" en Las Vegas, NV. Del 8 al 15 de julio. Nuestros hermanos Ray, Walter y Jerry llegaron para compartir con nuestra iglesia y para continuar apoyando varios proyectos diacónicos. Thank Ray for your visit.

6.    Desde Kensington Congregation Church en CT nos vino la hermana Kathy Bryers para convivir con las congregaciones de Jayaque. La hermana Bryers compartió por diez días (desde el 10 hasta el 20 de julio) con la gente de Jayaque, experiencia que fortaleció la hermandad entre ambas congregaciones.

7.    Cinco personas de la Iglesia Luterana "Rios de Agua Viva" en San Mauricio, San Salvador visitaron su iglesia hermana First Lutheran Church en Palo Alto, CA. Desde el 19 al 30 de julio. Esta también fue una importante visita que ha fortalecido la hermandad entre hambas congregaciones. Gracias hermanos de Palo Alto por su invitación.

heinäkuu

One of the aspects that have affected to El Salvador during the month of June is the epidemic of Dengue, disease caused by the Mosquito. It causes fever, pain body, attacks the circulatory system and it can even produce death if it is not taken care on time. At the moment, the statistics indicate 1.500 cases during the month, and 8 passed away people. Within the framework of this epidemic, Cuba offered a medical brigade to help to fight this epidemic as It did it in previous years, but the Salvadoran government refused to accept this aid; in its place a group of cuban doctors living in Miami arrived to our country. Before it, our church said: "the health of the Salvadoran people is not a subject that must happen through political filters and if the aid comes from Cuba, the United States or another solidary country it is welcome. We encourage the people in general to be united with the authorities of health and organizations of aid, in the campaign against dengue fever that threatens particularly our childhood. Government, Political Opposition, Non-Governmental Organizations, Churches, Educative Centers and each one of us must give a good testimony helping our most vulnerable brothers and sisters."

A recent study revealed that a great amount of arms - the majority without legal registration - circulates into the hands of the civil population. The Direction of the Civil National Police (CNP) maintains that that situation far from protecting the citizenship against delinquency, is a threat for the same one, because the statistics confirm that many deaths have taken place to have a weapon at the moment and mistaken circumstance. Our church said: "When we have indicated the errors made by CNP and the involvement of some of its members in crimes, we do it like a constructive critic and in frank defense of life. For that reason, now also we recognize and we support that the organisms of administration and application of justicen are the ones that must must have the privative use of arms in the persecution and punishment of crime, whcih is the thesis maintained at the moment by the Direction of CNP".

Thirdly, during June the intoxication (passed away) of 10 people has been registered again by consumes of methanol in the altered alcohol. Before it our church thinks: "They are companies or individuals, justice must proceed against the responsible people of causing these victims, for whom the defense of their human rigths has not been enough. The relatives of these passed away or affected people by the ingestion of metanol must declared themselves victims and request justice. We also call to the organisms for defense of human rights to that we are united to give pursuit to these cases that deserve all our attention."

The Salvadoran Lutheran Church has declared itself in prayer so that the Temporary Protection Status (TPS) for the Salvadorans in the United States be a reality. "We ask God that the TPS for thousands of compatriots in the United States be approved, and as church we stay in campaign in favor of our immigrant people, together with our sister churches in the nation of the North. We celebrate that authorities of the Salvadoran government, solidary organisms and until American congressmen advocate for the extension of TPS.

The past 8 of June our Bisho Medardo Gomez was turning years. For that reason, different congregations, communities of faith, and friends gathered in "Concord Lutheran Center" to thank God for the life of our pastor (service of thanksgiving) and to celebrate along with him his 57 years of life (party). May God bless him.

The 5 of June, the Lutheran Institute for Theological Education and Reflexión (ILFORET, acronym in Spanish) finalized and evaluated the course on Old Testament that had been developing with the pastoral body of our Church from the month of September of the last year. During the evaluation, one of the pastor said: "the formation process is good in its method and content..., It would be good that we counted on a small theological library to make researchs". Also, the 12 of June ILFORET initiated the course on New Testament.

The 14 of June, our church made the raffle of 78 houses for victims of earthquakes of the last year. The project is located in the Canton Los Novillos, in the municipality of Rosario, Department of La Paz; and it has been financed by San Lorenzo Episcopal Church in Canada and Acction by Churches Together (ACT) in El Salvador. Thanks to God 78 families will have their own homes.

Finally we want to share with you that a delegation of six people visited us from 22 to 29 of June. The brothers and sisters came representing "Friedens Lutheran Church" in Myerstown, PA. USA and visited their sister parish "New Hope" Lutheran Church in Nueva Conception, Chalatenango. Besides to share three days with their sister parish, the delegation had the opportunity to visit other communities and to know more on the work of the Salvadoran Lutheran Church. Thanks brothers and sisters for your visit.

Uno de los aspectos que ha afectado a El Salvador durante el mes de junio es la epidemia del Dengue, enfermedad causada por el Zancudo. Provoca fiebre, dolor de cuerpo, ataca el sistema circulatorio y hasta puede producir la muerte si no se atiende a tiempo. Actualmente, las estadísticas indican 1,500 casos durante el mes, y 8 personas fallecidas. En el marco de esta epidemia Cuba ofreció una brigada médica para ayudar a combatir esta epidemia tal como lo hizo en años anteriores, pero el gobierno salvadoreño se negó a aceptar dicha ayuda; en su lugar llegó un grupo de médicos cubanos residentes en Miami. Ante ello, nuestra iglesia opinó: "La salud del pueblo salvadoreño no es un tema que deba pasar por filtros políticos y si la ayuda viene de Cuba, Estados Unidos u otro país solidario, bienvenida sea. Instamos al pueblo en general, a que nos unamos con las autoridades de salud y organizaciones de socorro, en la campaña contra el dengue que amenaza particularmente a nuestra niñez. Gobierno, Oposición Política, Organizaciones No Gubernamentales y de Socorro, Iglesias, Centros Educativos y cada uno de nosotros y nosotras debe dar un buen testimonio auxiliando a nuestros hermanos y hermanas más vulnerables."

Un estudio reciente reveló que una gran cantidad de armas - la mayoría sin registro legal- circulan en manos de la población civil. La Dirección de la PNC sostiene que esa situación lejos de proteger a la ciudadanía contra la delincuencia, es una amenaza para la misma, pues las estadísticas confirman que muchas muertes se han producido por tener un arma en el momento y circunstancia equivocada. Cuando hemos señalado los errores cometidos por la PNC y el involucramiento de algunos de sus miembros en delitos, lo hacemos como crítica constructiva y en franca defensa de la vida. Por eso ahora también reconocemos y apoyamos que deben ser los organismos de administración y aplicación de justicia, los que deben tener el uso privativo de armas en la persecución y castigo del delito, que es la tesis sostenida actualmente por la Dirección de la P.N.C.

En tercer lugar, durante junio se ha registrado de nuevo la intoxicación de 10 personas (fallecidos) por consume de metanol en el alcohol alterado. Ante ello nuestra iglesia opina: "Sean empresas o personas individuales, la justicia debe proceder contra los responsables de causar estas víctimas, por las que no se ha hecho lo suficiente para defender sus derechos humanos. Los familiares de estas personas fallecidas o afectadas por la ingestión de metanol tienen que mostrarse ofendidos y pedir justicia. También llamamos a los organismos para la defensa de los derechos humanos a que nos unamos para darle seguimiento a estos casos que merecen toda nuestra atención.

La Iglesia Luterana Salvadoreña se ha declarado en oración para que el Estado de Protección Temporal para los salvadoreños en Estados Unidos sea una realidad. "Rogamos a Dios que el TPS para miles de compatriotas en los Estados Unidos sea a probado, y como iglesia nos mantenemos en campaña a favor de nuestro pueblo inmigrante, junto a nuestras iglesias hermanas en la nación del Norte. Celebramos que autoridades del gobierno salvadoreño, organismos solidarios y hasta congresistas estadounidenses aboguen por la ampliación del TPS.

El pasado 8 de junio nuestro obispo Medardo Gómez estuvo cumpliendo años. Por ello, diferentes congregaciones, comunidades de fe, amigos y amigas nos reunimos en el Centro Luterano Concordia para dar gracias a Dios por la vida de nuestro pastor (culto de acción de gracias) y para celebrar junto con él los 57 años de vida (fiesta).

El 5 de junio, el Instituto Luterano de Formación y Reflexión Teológica (ILFORET) finalizó y evaluó el curso sobre Antiguo Testamento que se había estado desarrollando con el cuerpo pastoral de nuestra Iglesia desde el mes de septiembre del año pasado. Uno de los pastores dijo: "El proceso de formación es bueno en su método y contenido……. , Sería bueno que contáramos con una pequeña biblioteca teológica para hacer investigaciones". Asimismo, el 12 de junio ilforet inició el curso sobre Nuevo Testamento.

El 14 de junio, nuestra iglesia realizó la rifa de 78 casas para damnificados de los terremotos del año pasado. El proyecto está localizado en el Cantón Los Novillos, municipio de El Rosario, Departamento de la Paz; y ha sido financiado por la Iglesia Episcopal de San Lorenzo en Canadá y La Acción Conjunta de Iglesias en El Salvador.

Finalmente queremos compartir con ustedes que una delegación de seis personas nos visitó del 22 al 29 de junio. Los hermanos y hermanas vinieron representando a Friedens Lutheran Church en Myerstown, PA. USA y visitaron su Iglesia hermana "Nueva Esperanza" en Nueva Concepción, Chalatenango. Además de compartir tres días con su Iglesia hermana, la delegación tuvo la oportunidad de visitar otras comunidades y conocer más sobre el trabajo de la Iglesia Luterana Salvadoreña. Gracias hermanos y hermanas por su visita.