DownloadJuly 20, 2009 issue
MCC calls for prayer for colony in Bolivia
By Amanda Thorsteinsson Mennonite Central CommitteeWINNIPEG, Man. — Mennonite Central Committee is reaching out to an Old Colony Mennonite community in Bolivia where numerous rapes recently came to light.
Eight members of the Manitoba Mennonite Colony in Bolivia have been jailed on charges of drugging and raping more than 100 colony women over the course of several years.
“We can stand in judgment at the side and deride this awful immoral incident, or we can compassionately stand with our brothers and sisters in working through the incredible pain, suffering and public scorn,” said John Janzen, coordinator of MCC’s Low German program.
As an organization with a long association with Low German-speaking communities, MCC feels called to “reach out to our Bolivian brothers and sisters,” Janzen said. “We ask that the wider Mennonite community, and others, pray for the people in these communities as they struggle with what is happening.
“We stand with our brothers and sisters, not in any way condoning this act or any other similar acts, but working through the pain, seeking justice, learning the lessons and preparing for a better future.”
MCC offered counseling support for rape survivors, but the offer was declined.
Hans Schroeder is the director of MCC’s Low German program in Bolivia. Shortly after the arrests and allegations, he visited the colony and talked with some of the victims, families and community leaders.
Residents of the colony who suspected what was happening captured the men June 20. The suspects were initially isolated and asked to record the names of those they raped and drugged on a piece of paper with their signatures at the bottom, according to Schroeder.
Colony leaders decided to bring the suspects to Bolivian authorities June 22. Two days later, the men pleaded not guilty in a hearing. The lawyers have six months to prepare their cases for trial.
Forensic doctors and psychologists will examine the victims in the colonies.
“I don’t think the colonists fully understand what aftereffects the victims and the many families affected might face down the road,” Schroeder said. “My hope and prayer is that we, the broader community of believers, will be sensitive to their needs and be ready to help our brothers and sisters when the time is right.”
There are 15,400 Mennonites in Bolivia, according to 2006 Mennonite World Conference figures. Most descend from Old Colony Mennonites who went to Bolivia in the 1950s seeking agricultural opportunity and religious freedom.
Comments
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This is so horrific. My prayers have been with you since I first heard about it. May God do the impossible and reach into the hearts and lives of each person effected and heal them. May the Lord use the ones reaching out to support and comfort them. May every need be provided in the years that are infront of them.....♥ May there be hope where there is emptiness and joy where there now is sorrow.God bless....
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