A Catholic church has become the 16th church in the Araucanía and Bío-Bío regions of Chile to be destroyed by arson since last December, according to religious freedom advocacy Christian Solidarity Worldwide.
The San Andreas Chapel was burnt down in the early hours of 9th August and CSW reports that, despite an ongoing government investigation, those behind the attacks – which have targeted both Catholic and Protestant churches – remain unknown.
Leaflets and signs left at the site of the churches, which have generally been attacked in the early hours of the morning, have called for the release of indigenous Mapuche ‘political prisoners’ but CSW says that while the regions have a long history of unrest due to the strong presence of Mapuche separatist or pro-autonomy groups, these groups have not historically targeted churches. It’s also estimated that about 90 per cent of the Mapuche are Catholic or Protestant Christians.
Mervyn Thomas, CSW’s chief executive, said the organisation was “deeply concerned” at the ongoing attacks and called on those responsible “to cease targeting places of worship and to respect religious freedom”.
“We also encourage the government to continue its investigations while respecting the human rights of the population, and extend our solidarity to the members and leaders of the affected churches who have suffered devastating losses.”
CSW reports that local sources have said the attacks have created a “climate of fear” and have had a “devastating effect on Catholic and Protestant congregations, the majority of whom are from impoverished backgrounds and who do not have the resources to easily rebuild or replace the destroyed properties”.
