SIPAZ Activities (October – December 1997)

30/01/1998

Organized and facilitated two workshops on “Managing Fear and Security” and “Transformation of Conflicts.”
Participated in several workshops in San Cristobal de las Casas: “Analysis of Conflicts” with women from K’nal Antsetik, “The Individual in the face of conflict” at the Ecumenical Bible School and “Managing Fear”, sponsored by the Diocese.
Staff training workshop on “Accompaniment.”

Issued an Urgent Action appeal and a followup on the attack against Mons. Samuel Ruiz and Mons. Raul Vera and the sister of Samuel Ruiz.
In response to the grave situation in Chenalho, members of the team participated in a Pastors for Peace caravan carrying humanitarian assistance for the displaced and in the National and International Civil Mission of Observation for Peace in Chenalho.
Issued an Urgent Action appeal regarding the Acteal massacre.

Hosted a two-week visit of a member of the SIPAZ Steering Committee who is responsible for volunteers.
Received visitors from: Michigan Faith and Resistance Peace Team, Christian Peacemaker Teams, SEVA Foundation, Pastors for Peace, and a dozen other foreign visitors.
Interview with Dallas Morning News.

Contributed in several ways to the second conference of CORECO (Commission of Support for Unity and Community Reconciliation).
Attended as invited observers the XXIII anniversary celebration of ARIC Independent and Democratic and the Annual Report of the municipality of Ocosingo.
Interviewed displaced evangelicals and Catholics in Aguacatenango.
Participated and gave a speech at the Latin American Peace Education conference in Guatemala.
Attended as observers the indigenous demonstration on October 12 in Ocosingo (Día de la Raza.)