At 8:00 p.m. on August 22, a fragmentation grenade was thrown at the residence of Archbishop Antonio Giraldo Jaramillo of Medillin, Colombia. Thankfully, the archbishop was not in his residence when two men on a motorcycle threw the grenade, which damaged the parking area and wounded two policemen.
According to Zenit, Jaramillo has called for reconciliation and dialogue, saying, "If someone has something against the Church, the best thing would be for us to meet and talk."
The church, both Catholic and Protestant, has frequently been the target of drug cartels and rebels fighting the government in Colombia. Ecumenical News International reported on August 22 that at least thirty-eight Protestant leaders or members were killed in the first half of 2003.
Pray for civil and religious peace in Colombia. Pray that the church will be able to show the peace and love of Christ, who wishes to reconcile men to God. Pray for the continued ministry of the Colombian church in the midst of violence.
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