- A group claiming to represent the local government seized parish halls and a soccer field in Ejido, Venezuela
- The property belongs to Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish
- The group tore the padlocks off the doors
- The pastor stopped them from entering the church
A group claiming to represent the local government seized the parish halls and soccer field of Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish in Ejido, Mérida state, Venezuela, Catholic News Agency reported on May 30, 2018.
The incident took place on May 28, 2018. Ejido lies fewer than 10 miles southwest of Mérida. The group said it was “from the city council and they came on behalf of the mayor of Ejido, Simón Pablo Figueroa.”
According to Auxiliary Bishop Luis Enrique Rojas Ruiz of Mérida, the group “stormed in and tore off the padlocks to the doors that give access to the soccer field and parish halls.” The pastor, Fr José Juan Flores, stopped the group from entering the church and questioned their identity.
The parish lost access to buildings and grounds that served its community activities.
Parish halls and playing fields can be among the most valuable parts of a church property, and among the most tempting to others. In Jamaica, church fields and halls are frequently used by community groups, schools and local authorities. Clear agreements on use, secure boundaries and registered titles help a church keep control of these assets and resolve disputes quickly.
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