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COLOMBIA: Abducted priest found 'disoriented and heavily drugged'
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 Pais 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.
"We are relieved that Father Gaviria is safely home," said the Rev. Canon Brian Grieves, director of Peace and Justice Ministries, who accompanied Jefferts Schori on the visit. "He told those of us who were recently with the Presiding Bishop in Colombia of his plans to run for mayor and the dangers that imposed on him. He is symbolic of the entire Church’s witness in Colombia under the inspiring leadership of Bishop Duque."
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