Frente Unido, No. 1 – August 26, 1965
The conclusions brought about by the political, religious, and social events of recent times have perhaps led Christians in Colombia into much confusion. It is necessary that, at this decisive moment in our history, Christians stand firmly around the essential foundations of our religion.
The principal teaching of Catholicism is love of one's neighbor. "He who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law" (St. Paul, Romans 13:8). This love, if it is genuine, must seek effectiveness. If charity, almsgiving, a few free schools, and a few housing plans—what has been called "charity"—are not enough to feed the majority of the hungry, clothe the majority of the naked, or educate the majority of those who lack knowledge, then we must seek effective means for the well-being of the majority.
Those means will not be sought by the privileged minorities who hold power, because those effective measures generally require them to sacrifice their privileges. For example, to create more employment in Colombia, it would be better if capital were invested within the country instead of being exported. But because the Colombian peso loses value every day, those who possess wealth and power will never prohibit the export of money, because by exporting it they protect themselves from devaluation.
It is therefore necessary to take power away from the privileged minorities and give it to the poor majority. If this is done quickly, it is the essence of a revolution. A revolution can be peaceful if the privileged minorities do not resist violently.
Revolution, therefore, is the means of achieving a government that feeds the hungry, clothes the naked, educates those who do not know, and fulfills works of charity and love of neighbor—not merely in an occasional and temporary way, not only for a few people, but for the great majority of our fellow human beings. Therefore, revolution is not only permitted but obligatory for Christians who see in it the most effective and broad way of practicing love for all.
It is true that "there is no authority except from God" (St. Paul, Romans 13:1). But St. Thomas teaches that the concrete assignment of authority belongs to the people.
When an authority stands against the people, that authority is not legitimate but tyrannical. Christians can and must fight against tyranny. The present government is tyrannical because it is supported not by the people but by only a small portion of the electorate, and because its decisions come from privileged minorities.
The temporary failings of the Church should not scandalize us. The Church is human. What is important is to believe that its foundation is also divine, and that if we Christians fulfill our obligation to love our neighbor, we are strengthening the Church.
I have left the duties and privileges of the clergy, but I have not ceased to be a priest. I believe that I have dedicated myself to the Revolution out of love for my neighbor. I have stopped saying Mass in order to carry out that love for my neighbor in the temporal, economic, and social sphere. When my neighbor lacks nothing, when the Revolution has been accomplished, I will return, if God permits me, to celebrate Mass. I believe that in doing so I follow Christ's command:
"If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled with your brother; then come and offer your gift."
After the Revolution, Christians will have the satisfaction of knowing that we helped establish a system founded on love of neighbor.
The struggle is long. Let us begin now.
Camilo Torres Restrepo – "Message to Christians" (August 26, 1965)
Translated from the original Spanish for English readers.
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