Mexican bishop takes on cultish cartel in drug war battleground state

[rug]

December 1, 2013
By Joshua Partlow

APATZINGAN, Mexico — Their names hang from a wooden cross at the altar of a Catholic cathedral, the dead and missing of the diocese: Manuel Alaya. Octavio Contreras. Sergio Madrigal.

This has been the bloodiest year since 1998 when it comes to drug violence here in the state of Michoacan. For Miguel Patiño Velazquez, a 75-year-old bishop with a white frock and dark circles under his eyes, it is time to speak out.

The bishop has criticized drug gangs by name, supported village vigilantes and demanded that the government restore order. Where other church fathers have spoken in generic terms about the violence, the bishop has been bold, leading the Catholic Church into the heart of the public debate.

“Now is the moment to be one voice for our poor people, for our society,” he said.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/mexican-bishop-takes-on-cultish-cartel-in-drug-war-battleground-state/2013/12/01/62eea6d4-508f-11e3-9ee6-2580086d8254_story.html

[Fortinbras Armstrong]

1. I wonder how long it's going to be before Bishop Velazquez is shot n/t

[IrishAyes]

2. That was my first thought. Keep him in prayer.