DATE=5/16/1999
TYPE=BACKGROUND REPORT
TITLE=CHIAPAS BISHOP REACT
NUMBER=5-46320
BYLINE=JON TKACH
DATELINE=CHIAPAS, MEXICO
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: A new bishop has taken over in Mexico's
troubled southern state, Chiapas. His predecessor
leaves a legacy of deep involvement with the poor as
well as complaints that he sided with Zapatista rebels
who staged an uprising in 1994. As V-O-A's Jon Tkach
reports from Chiapas, many people are waiting to see
just how large a role the new bishop will play in the
stalled peace process there.
TEXT:
/// SFX: FLUTES AND DRUMS THEN FADE TO: ///
Residents in Huixtan - a small village in the Chiapas
highlands - kick off a weekend of celebrations to
commemorate the village's patron saint, San Ysidro.
/// SFX: CROWD SHOUTING VIVA ARIZMENDI ///
But another man - the new bishop, Felipe Arizmendi -
drew much of the residents' attention. He was in town
for the first time, to meet the residents and hear
their concerns.
The local people turned out in droves, some skeptical
of whether the bishop could fill the shoes of his
predecessor, Samuel Ruiz.
During his 40-years as bishop, Mr. Ruiz became known
among supporters as the "Bishop of the Poor" for his
extensive work with poverty-stricken Indian peasants.
But he was harshly criticized by the government, which
linked him with the Zapatista rebels and dubbed him
the "Red Bishop" for what they considered to be his
socialist views.
Many here have heard Bishop Arizmendi is more
conservative than his predecessor. But, during his
first weeks in office, the new bishop has also made a
point of reaching out to the poor.
/// ARIZMENDI ACT (SPANISH) ///
During a colorful and - because many of the residents
speak only their indigenous dialect - multi-lingual
service, he called for the townspeople to each pray in
their own language.
He repeatedly reminded the crowd of the value of their
work as farmers and laborers and said he understands
they were often treated unjustly.
Local resident Alonzo Perez says even the poorest
residents were pleased with what the bishop had to
say.
/// PEREZ ACT (IN SPANISH) ///
He says the bishop seems aware of the extent of
poverty here and committed to helping them. He also
says he thinks Bishop Arizmendi will carry on the work
of his predecessor, who he says is a great man who
protected the poor.
Since taking office, Bishop Arizmendi has reached out
to both the Zapatista Army for National Liberation and
to pro-government paramilitary groups.
But he has also harshly criticized the rebels for
taking up arms and has called for the government to
reduce the military presence in the area.
/// OPTIONAL ARIZMENDI ACT (SPANISH) ///
// OPT // He says the troops should be taken away not
only to help revive peace talks, but also to show that
the government is willing to move forward. He says
the government has shown this in other ways, by
creating jobs, building highways and supplying added
social services. /// END OPT ///
Bishop Arizmendi's actions have many in the indigenous
community hoping he will follow in what they say was
his predecessor's role as peacemaker. But residents
who support the government have a very different view
of the man who came before him.
Mercedes Abarca - a strong supporter of the ruling
party - lives in Chenalho, an impoverished village in
a region that is largely seen as a center of rebel
support. She says she is still scared and blames the
last bishop, Samuel Ruiz, for assisting the rebels.
/// ABARCA ACT (SPANISH) ///
She says - We do not want another father (priest) that
is a Zapatista. She says he should stick to religion
and not stir up the people.
She says she is glad they picked Bishop Arizmendi for
the job instead of Samuel Ruiz's assistant, who had
been transferred by the Vatican. She says she thinks
Bishop Arizmendi will play a quieter role.
And that is just what Bishop Ruiz's supporters fear,
saying that the church needs to take a strong and
vocal stand in defense of the poor.
For now, Bishop Arizmendi says he is still busy taking
stock of the situation - using his first month to get
to know the people scattered across these mountains.
/// REST OPT ///
He has numerous visits planned to local villages, but
returns Sundays to the huge cathedral in San Cristobal
to give mass.
/// SFX: CHURCH SINGING ///
During his second Sunday service, he stuck mainly to
religious topics. He made only slight mention of the
political and social problems that have kept the area
on edge.
/// ARIZMENDI ACT (SPANISH) ///
He told the packed crowd that someone had asked why he
accepted the job, knowing of the delicacy of the
situation in Chiapas. Calling for others to join the
church as priests and nuns, Bishop Arizmendi said he
took on the rough task out of faith in God and love
for the church. (SIGNED)
NEB/JT/WD/RAE
16-May-2000 10:28 AM EDT (16-May-2000 1428 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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