The violence of the paramilitaries in Colombia does not decrease – despite President Uribe having started the alleged disarmament of these illegal units in such a full-bodied manner. The Peace Village San José de Apartadó is particularly affected by the difficult political situation in Colombia. San José is a Peace Village of Colombians, mostly expelled farmers who joined about ten year ago. Despite the extreme persecution the inhabitants decided to live a life of non-violent resistance in truth and solidarity. This autonomous power in the country is experienced as a threat by the governing forces. Paramilitaries and the government cooperate in a subtle manner so as to nip the resistance movement in the bud. Two years ago a military station was installed in the village; according to their principle “no arms in the village”, all the villagers left their home and built up a new village in little time on a nearby private site: San Josecito.

168 of these non-violent rebels have been killed during the last ten years, mostly the leading forces with their women and children.

The inhabitants of San Josecito stayed faithful to their decision to remain a Peace Community despite the unbearable pain. It is the only answer and alternative they see and that gives them the power and the courage to live. Meanwhile, this community has become a carrier of hope for all the suppressed ones in the country. Despite the risk of life more and more people dare to raise their voice. We became witnesses of this revolutionary power of resistance in the country. The power of San Josecito encourages other displaced people to raise their voices. The amnesty regulation, which was introduced by the state, serves the protection of the paramilitaries, and prevents the threatened classes of the population to recover their rights.

For us Europeans it is very uncommon to meet so much joy of life despite the great injury, so much decided will to survive and the unconditional search for a way out. The strong holding together of the community reminded us of ancient Christian communities. We are existentially shaken by all that we have seen; all our willpower is shaping to become an unconditional will to create a way out of the dead-end. Having become an eye-witness, I don´t see any other way than helping these people with all means and with that effectively thinking about models with which this or similar help will be possible also for other suppressed and peoples.

This problem description is excerpted from a letter by Sabine Lichtenfels, originally published on the Grace Pilgrimage website.