CPTnet
October 26, 2002
COLOMBIA: "Child of God" letters invite Colombian armed actors to live
peacefully

CPT announces a new initiative to allow believers in peace from North
America or anywhere to address simple, short notes to members of armed
groups in Colombia, especially in the township of Cienaga del Opon, where
the team maintains an accompanying presence with the civilian population.

The goal is to deliver dozens or hundreds of such short, personal letters
(50 words or less) - or children's peace pictures. The Colombia team comes
across members of armed groups in the course of its work, and is looking for
ways to initiate dialogue concerning non-violent ways to deal with conflict.

Each letter should be a simple, not condescending, reminder to its reader
that s/he is a child of God with a message of the hope arising from that
truth. Letters should not be addressed to a particular person, just "Dear
friend," "Dear brother," "Dear sister" or a similar greeting. A sample
letter is printed below in English and Spanish. Feel free to write your own
in either language (again, 50 words or less; though Spanish may require a
few more words). CPT will translate. Please leave space on the letter for a
translation.

CPT will maintain copies of letters for CPT records and to send on to
government officials at a latter date. The originals will be sent to
Colombia for distribution.

Canadians should send letters to:
Scott Albrecht
102 Seagram Dr #310
Waterloo, ON N2L 3B8

U.S. citizens should send letters to:
Benjamin Horst
1820 Keeney St
Evanston IL 60202

SAMPLE LETTER (English and Spanish versions):

Dear friend,

You are a child of God.

I am praying that you may live free from weapons and free from fear, and
that the peoples of the Magdalena Medio region, Colombia and North America
may discover the superior power of nonviolence.

May peace begin with us today.

Sincerely,
Mary Smith
Mother Wife Teacher
Member of _____ Church, [City, State, Country]

Querido amigo, [or "Querida amiga," if you wish to write to a woman],

Usted es un hijo de Dios [or "Usted es una hija de Dios," if you wish to
write to a woman].

Estoy en oración para que usted pueda vivir una vida liberada de las armas
y del temor, y que los pueblos del Magdalena Medio, de Colombia y de Norte
América descubramos el poder superior de la no violencia.

Que la paz empiece con nosotros hoy.

Cordialmente,
Mary Smith
[Optional: add occupation - in English is okay]
Miembra de [or Miembro de, if you are a man] _____ Church, [City, State,
Country]