Colombia judge bans civic prayers and fraternal hugs in Cartegena, Christians react

A judge in Colombia has banned prayers at local educational institutions and also at the beginning of city council sessions in Cartagena. Moreover, he prohibited people from engaging in fraternal hugs just about everywhere, something that has sparked fierce opposition, with people calling it a violation of human rights.

"No one can prohibit us from praying and giving hugs," said pastor Lida Arias, as quoted by the Catholic News Agency. "This city and this country need more prayer and less absurd laws."

The first article in the 2007 accord says that a prayer is to be said at "the beginning of all daily activities in local government entities as a basic approach to recovering the religious principles of the city." According to CNA, a lawsuit was filed against this by Autonomous University of the Caribbean's Miguel Ángel Garcés. On May 10, Judge Alejandro Bonilla Aldana overturned the accord, thereby effectively removing prayers at the start of local government sessions.

"The custom of prayer cannot be taken as a widespread cultural element and the civil authorities cannot impose its obligatory exercise, disregarding freedom of belief," Aldana said.

The judge further ruled that fraternal hugs are not to be allowed at the beginning of activities. It, however, encompasses more than just local government meetings as it also includes many other places, specifically in "public and private businesses, educational institutions, police command posts and stations, military battalions, assemblies, the boards of businesses, shopping centers, and taxi stations, trade organizations, associations and in the family."

The Archdiocese of Cartagena issued a statement that says it is a violation against the rights of "of all the Catholics in Colombia," while council members, including Angélica Hodeg, Erick Piña, Duvina Torres, and Jorge Useche, have reportedly expressed their disagreement toward the decision.

The Association of Evangelical Ministers in Bolivar, meanwhile, is urging Christians that "a peaceful protest of prayer and fraternal hugs be held in every area of Cartagena," as "prayer and a fraternal hugs break down the barriers between people and allow us to forgive one another."

Many Christians groups, according to the report, are already conducting massive prayers.