Pastor speaks against lynching, vigilantism

UPDATE: Recent lynchings (Dec. 5, 2009) in Panajachel and (Nov. 27, 2009) in Sololá have highlighted Guatemala's problematic violence as well as the failings of the justice system and lack of public confidence.


Pastor Marco spoke Sunday against the vigilante spirit that seems to be sweeping Sololá, urging his congregation not to participate in lynchings and vigilantism.

Sololatecos burned and killed two alleged thieves last week, and killed another the prior week. At least one of the men was a known criminal, incarcerated 51 times.

If someone says, “Burn him, burn him,” the pastor said, don’t have anything to do with it. The pastor said he did not intend to judge whether the men deserved to be found guilty of their crimes. That’s up to the courts and God. The country has laws which must be followed, he said. One law should not be broken to enforce another.

Followers of Jesus Christ ought to live as lights, exhibiting grace and mercy, not taking the law into their own hands, he said. Paul urged us to pray for authorities and not to avenge ourselves. Jesus pardoned a repentant thief who hung on the cross next to him.

I appreciated the pastor’s remarks. I have been struggling with my response to Guatemalans rising up to crush lawbreakers in their midst. On the one hand, the part of me which longs for peace and security can appreciate efforts in that direction — only they go too far. Since the authorities are apparently incapable or unwilling to maintain order, at least the townspeople are attempting it. But the problem is, who’s next, and what of leaving place for God’s wrath?

During our morning devotional Monday, Viña employees mentioned that pastors and other Christians have visited the grandmother and father of one of last week’s victims. The family has struggled with feelings of vengeance and the father asked for prayer. Please remember them.

*****

John Piper has an excellent sermon on Romans 12:16-20, “Do Not Avenge Yourselves, But Give Place to Wrath.” It’s worth a read or a listen.