El Salvador 1980: Violence and Politics
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Questions and Answers

St. Oscar Romero believed in the importance of social justice and the need for information freedom.

True

Members of the PDC resigned due to an increase in repression and the violation of human rights.

True

Military intervention by the United States was welcomed by the members of the PDC.

False

Roberto Lara Velado was one of the signatories of the letter of resignation from the PDC.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The new U.S. ambassador assured St. Oscar Romero that the policy of human rights is no longer a priority.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Oscar Romero believed in power sharing as an effective way to ensure real participation in governance.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Archibald Garner Dunn was kidnapped by the FPL in El Salvador.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The church views bloodshed as a minor issue compared to political reform.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Human life is considered by Oscar Romero to be of utmost significance.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The church promotes violence in order to achieve its goals.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the teachings, all forms of reform are inherently violent.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Romero believes that violence can lead to reconciliation and peace.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Oscar Romero believed in supporting the struggles of campesinos for authentic agrarian reform.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Oscar Romero's legacy focuses on the rights of the oppressed and the importance of addressing their suffering.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The church is against the dignity of urban workers and their aspirations.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

The message conveyed promotes agrarian reform as an isolated solution without regard for human life.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Reconciliation as seen in the Old Testament stresses the importance of labor on one's own land.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Criticism of negative aspects of reforms was seen as an attempt to undermine the reform itself.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Romero advocated for agrarian reform that encourages bloodshed and abuses power.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Romero asserts that old hatreds and division are a result of reconciliation.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

The bishops of Brazil support an inauthentic agrarian reform.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

The church's stance is neutral towards the rights of human beings, such as housing and wage rights.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Looking after the human rights and dignity of workers is a part of the church's mission.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

What contributions did the Nahuatl group provide to support the radio station?

<p>They offered financial assistance and took a collection during their performance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What message did the railroad workers convey in their letter to St. Oscar Romero?

<p>They expressed their support for his preaching for justice and the integral liberation of human beings.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did St. Oscar Romero view the church's role in relation to reconciliation?

<p>He saw the church as an instrument of reconciliation and emphasized the renewal of vicars.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'your harvest is great' suggest about St. Oscar Romero's efforts?

<p>It suggests that his efforts in preaching and community engagement have produced significant positive outcomes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is implied about the support for the radio station despite potential attacks?

<p>It implies that the station's mission and message of encouragement will endure regardless of physical threats.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do vicars play within the archdiocese as per St. Oscar Romero's perspective?

<p>Vicars are priests in charge of specific sectors of parishes, responsible for guiding their communities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What foundational concept do the railroad workers attribute to the integral liberation of human beings?

<p>They attribute it to God as its essential foundation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does St. Oscar Romero relate the church's voice to the community's path of life?

<p>He believes the church's voice illuminates the path of life through the Gospel.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significance does the Passover hold in relation to God's promise to Israel?

<p>The Passover symbolizes Israel's gratitude for the land God promised them and acknowledges God's role in their liberation from slavery.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does St. Oscar Romero connect the concept of land to sin and reconciliation?

<p>Romero argues that lack of land is a consequence of sin, and true reconciliation requires just distribution of land to reflect God's blessings.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Romero suggest about the ownership of land and its implications for justice?

<p>Romero suggests that land should not be monopolized by a few but shared by all, as it represents God's blessings and promotes justice.</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Romero, what role does the land play in the relationship between a nation and God?

<p>The land serves as a sign of justice and reconciliation, indicating that a nation’s wellbeing is tied to its rightful stewardship of land.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What parable does God use in Hosea to describe Israel's infidelity regarding the land?

<p>God compares Israel's infidelity to a spouse who forgets the blessings received from her husband, illustrating disloyalty.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is St. Oscar Romero's perspective on agrarian reform?

<p>Romero views agrarian reform as essential for justice, emphasizing that it must benefit all Salvadorans rather than a privileged few.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Romero’s message reflect on the sacredness of the land in accordance with God's will?

<p>Romero emphasizes that land is sacred because it carries the presence of God, necessitating just distribution for communal benefit.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Romero link the act of forgetting God with societal issues related to land?

<p>Romero asserts that forgetting God's gifts leads to societal injustices, including an unequal distribution of land and resources.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the church aim to achieve by being an instrument of reconciliation?

<p>The church aims to help men and women be reconciled with God.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What reminder is given regarding the church's involvement in political matters?

<p>The church should not supplant the political work of politicians with pastoral work.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What message does the church convey to its members regarding differing opinions?

<p>Members should respect the opinions of others and avoid feeling like the sole owners of solutions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is acknowledged as the great patron of the universal church?

<p>Saint Joseph is acknowledged as the great patron of the universal church.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What honor was expressed towards the testimonies of solidarity received?

<p>Gratitude was expressed for the telegrams and letters regarding the peace prize awarded.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the church see in repairing YSAX?

<p>The church views the repair of YSAX as a fruitful work of its mission.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What trait of Father Pick was highlighted in relation to YSAX?

<p>Father Pick is portrayed as a quiet worker who is an excellent radio technician.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What overarching goal is the church pursuing in its pastoral work?

<p>The church seeks to form a community centered on justice, love, and reconciliation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the church's primary concern regarding bloodshed in the context of reforms?

<p>The church believes that bloodshed undermines the potential for fruitful reforms and violates the sanctity of human life.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Oscar Romero view human life in relation to societal issues?

<p>Oscar Romero considers human life to be of utmost significance and asserts that its violation is more serious than any other human right.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Romero suggest is necessary for genuine reforms to take place?

<p>Romero suggests that genuine reforms require a halt to bloodshed and the violence associated with political changes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the implications of God's statement to Cain about bloodshed and the land?

<p>God's statement implies that a land soaked in blood cannot be fruitful, reflecting the belief that violence prevents positive societal growth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the church's perspective on bloodshed influence its stance on reforms?

<p>The church argues that all forms of reform should be free from bloodshed in order to be valid and truly reflective of divine justice.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Romero say about the nature of true reformers in relation to violence?

<p>Romero states that true reformers desire change without the accompanying bloodshed, indicating that violence is propagated by those opposed to reform.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Romero identify as the primary issue caused by bloodshed in society?

<p>Romero identifies that bloodshed negates love, awakens old hatreds, and makes reconciliation and peace impossible.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does Romero believe the quantity of words in discussions about reform is less important than the quality of reasoning?

<p>He believes that the effectiveness of reforms should be judged by their depth and reasoning rather than mere rhetoric or quantity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the director of El Independiente claim about the impact of the bombing on their voice?

<p>The director stated that although they could be silenced with a censor, the use of dynamite only strengthened their voice.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the Human Rights Commission characterize the attacks they faced?

<p>They described the attacks as not isolated events, but part of a broader repression aimed at destabilizing the people's movement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What sentiment did the mothers of the disappeared express regarding the attack on their office?

<p>They expressed their indignation and highlighted that the office was a place for mourning and comfort after losing their loved ones.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the notable reaction from Oscar Romero to the letter from the Human Rights Commission?

<p>He expressed gratitude for their courage and determination in the face of oppression.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of information was Romero waiting to confirm regarding victims of repression?

<p>He was waiting to confirm the reports of forty more victims of repression in Aguilares.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the letter from the Human Rights Commission suggest about the state of the people's movement in El Salvador?

<p>The letter suggests that the movement is seeking integral liberation from exploitation, misery, and repression.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Romero's response to the violence reflect his views on human rights?

<p>His response emphasizes that dynamite cannot stop the people's struggle for their rights.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What details were provided about the violent events involving ORDEN members?

<p>It was reported that four members of ORDEN were murdered, including an agronomist and an aviator.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

El Salvador in 1980

  • An official of ORDEN was murdered in San Miguel on March 12, 1980
  • Jaime Hill Argüello was freed by the ERP on March 14, 1980, after being held captive since October 31, 1979
  • Archibald Garner Dunn, former ambassador of South Africa in El Salvador, was kidnapped by the FPL on November 28, 1979
  • Adolfo McEntee was kidnapped by the FPL on December 3, 1979
  • The state of siege has its disadvantages: it has not diminished the violence of the security forces, the paramilitary groups or the guerrilla groups, and has diminished freedom of information, especially regarding repression in the rural areas

Archbishop Romero and the Church's Role in El Salvador's Politics

  • Archbishop Romero criticized the state of siege, the repression and the violation of human rights and expressed concern about the United States' possible military intervention
  • He criticized the resignations of members of the PDC, claiming that they were due to repression, the violation of human rights and the fear of US military intervention
  • He believed that the reforms that were being implemented were being accompanied by repression and that the people’s participation in the process was unsatisfactory
  • He believed that there was no real participation in power and the reforms were not truly benefiting campesinos
  • Romero claimed that the church is not opposed to an authentic agrarian reform that truly benefits campesinos, but supports it

Human Rights and Reforms

  • Romero criticized the bloodshed accompanying the reforms, arguing that reforms soaked in blood can never be fruitful
  • He claimed that the church is not against the reforms, but seeks to protect them from negative aspects and make them truly beneficial to the people
  • He stated that the true reformers do not want bloodshed, and that the violence was being perpetrated by the enemies of the reform
  • Romero believed that the reforms should be judged by the density of their reasoning, not by the quantity of words used to describe them
  • Romero condemned the violence and injustices perpetrated by those who worship their organizations and abuse their power while emphasizing the church’s autonomy and independence from any specific organizations
  • He emphasized the church’s commitment to defending the legitimate aspirations of urban workers, including their right to decent housing and a just wage
  • He affirmed the principle of integral reconciliation, drawing from the biblical story of the Israelites arriving in their land and cultivating food through their own free labor, a parallel to the church’s desire for a more just and equitable society in El Salvador

The Bloodshed and the Struggle for Justice

  • Romero maintained that nothing is more important than human life, emphasizing that human life is something very serious and profound
  • He believed that the violation of human life is worse than that of any other human right, as it is the life of God’s children
  • Romero condemned the bloodshed, stating that it negates love, awakens old hatreds, and makes reconciliation and peace impossible
  • He called for a halt to the repression and urged for a true agrarian reform that benefits campesinos and provides them access to land and the conditions they need to cultivate it
  • Romero also called for the defense of the legitimate aspirations of urban workers, acknowledging their right to decent housing and a just wage

The Church's Role

  • The church commits herself to defending the legitimate aspirations of urban workers, many of whom have been forced to emigrate from the countryside to find work in the city
  • Romero believes that the church is not opposed to an authentic agrarian reform that truly benefits campesinos; rather, she fully supports it
  • He argues that the church should be critical of the reform in order to ensure that it is truly authentic and effective, and not contaminated with bloodshed or subject to the suspicions that the people have regarding the government
  • Archbishop Romero emphasized that the church's support for the struggle of the campesinos for a true agrarian reform aligns with the teaching of the Bible and the social doctrine of the church

The Land as a Symbol of Justice and Reconciliation

  • God promised the Israelites their own land, fulfilling his promise after they were freed from slavery in Egypt and led through the desert by Moses and Joshua.
  • This event represents the first Passover celebration, which should be remembered with gratitude for God's saving power, liberating us from our own forms of slavery.
  • The land is a symbol of God's blessing and a reminder of our connection to Him.
  • The land should not be monopolized by a select few, but rather distributed fairly and justly to benefit all.
  • The land represents justice and reconciliation, and a failure to distribute it fairly is a sign of injustice and breaks the bond of reconciliation between humans and God.

The Church's Role in Reconciliation

  • The church's mission is to help people reconcile with God and with each other.
  • The church is a missionary of reconciliation, encouraging love and forgiveness.
  • The church should not try to substitute for political work, but rather remain true to its pastoral work to help create a society of reconciliation.

Importance of Human Life

  • All human life is sacred and precious, reflecting the image of God.
  • The church speaks out against the bloodshed and violence that plague the Salvadoran people, emphasizing the importance of protecting human life above all else.
  • Reforms cannot be truly fruitful if they are stained with blood; violence diminishes the possibility of reconciliation.

The Church's Solidarity and Support

  • The church has been vocal in its support for the people of El Salvador and has provided financial assistance to those affected by the violence.
  • The church supports those who are working for justice and human rights including the people of the newspaper "El Independiente" and the Human Rights Commission following violence against them.
  • The church stands in solidarity with the mothers of the disappeared.
  • The church also offers support to Father Pick, a quiet worker who is helping to repair the radio station YSAX, which has been a voice of hope and solidarity.

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Explore the tumultuous events in El Salvador during 1980, including political kidnappings, the state of siege, and Archbishop Romero's critique of government repression and U.S. intervention. This quiz covers significant incidents that shaped the country's history in a time of conflict.

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