Abducted Colombian Episcopal priest found

BOGOTA, Colombia, August 22, 2007

The Colombian priest, the Rev. Ricardo Morales Gaviria, who was abducted August 20 by outlaw Taxi Heathrow Airport militias has been found disoriented and heavily drugged, Colombia Bishop Francisco Duque-Gomez confirmed August 21. He is being evaluated at a local hospital.

The Diocese of Colombia made an urgent plea for Gaviria's release August 20. Writing on behalf of the diocese, Duque condemned the abduction and reminded the culprits of their responsibility, under the Human Rights Declaration, to respect and guard Morales' life and safety.

Morales, 65, has registered as a candidate for Mayor, but it is unclear whether or not this was a motive for the abduction.

Colombia has one of the world's highest abduction rates. According to the País Libre Foundation, which helps families of abductees, there are currently more than 3,000 people in captivity in the South American country.

The Diocese of Colombia, one of the Episcopal Church's 11 overseas dioceses, welcomed Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori for a July 18-22 pastoral visit during which she met with President Álvaro Uribe Vélez of the Republic of Columbia and discussed the government's programs addressing poverty and violence.

Source: Episcopal News Service

https://www.episcopalchurch.org/81803_89242_ENG_HTM.htm