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President Jose Efrau^ws,Montt and the Spiritual ReMM Of Guatemala}
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President Jose Efrain Rios Montt and the Spiritual Rebirth of Guatemala
Judgments
Information evaileble at2 wot wed In /hit report.
becoming President of Guatemalaorn-againGen. Jose Efrain Rios Montt proclaimed his determination to fight corruption and restore humaninister of the Church of the Complete Word, Rios Montt believes that his life is guided by God and his mission for Guatemala has divine sanction. While his style has been compared with that of other Latin American dictators. Rios Montt's moral commitment and his appointment of church members to kev government posts havenique dimension to his rule. I
the face of pressures from Guatemala's failing economy, an escalating guerrilla war. and increasing opposition from the right, the strength of the Presidents religious convictions has given him the self-assurance,and toughness to act decisively. In recent months, he has:
Offered amnesty for repentant insurgents and declared all-outincluding publicthose who resist.
Arrested or neutralized members of the rightwing opposition.
Initiated civic^rograms to improve the economic conditions of the pedantry.!
Christian Ideology io Practice
the past two decades. Social conflict lurivurd by racism and long neglectoor Indian majorityadino ruling class have resulted in religious move-menu whose goals are evangelising and enlightening this population. Rios Montt has been one among many sociallydirros wbo have found inspiration for improving the social condiuoR ofthrough conversion to chartsmalicAmerican religious groups claim thatercent of the population have already joined variousfaiths after converting from Romanwhich thev associated with perpetuating the
Montt'* conversion from Catholicism toProtestantismenection of broader social developments that have occurred in Guatemala over
Rios Montt It strongly influenced by Ihc principles of bis church in both his personal and political life. He has appointed two elders of his church to keyposts: Secretary of Public Relations, Francisco Bisnchi. and Executive Secretary. Ahraro Confreres. Rios Montt refers to them as his "conscience" since their role is to ensure that bis decisions arcand implemented with the proper Christian spirit. These men arc regarded as Ihc most powerful civilian members of the presidential entourage. |
The Church of the Completeolitical and Social Movement
The Church af the Complete Word is an evangelical Protestant denomination whose members practice and believe in divine Inspiration through the gifts of the Holy Spirit mentioned tn the New Testament. such as laying on of hands, speaking in tongues, and divine revelation. The California-based church he-came involved in relief efforts to Guatemala following devastating earthquakes
The Church of tht Complete Word has joined with many other Christian fundamentalist churches in establishing missions in rural Guatemala for the purpose of winning converts. Their success has been largely due to helping Guatemala's peasantrytheir social conditions by leaching themand marketable skills, effectively drawing them out of rural isolationational identity.
Rios Montt has proclaimed publicly that Guatemala can combat the evils of both Communism and capital-am bypiritual direction based on Christian aspirations and values. He has attempted to steal Ihc left's thunder by preaching against the corruption of the bourgeoisie and by promoting the welfare of the poor. However, he has stated in public broadcasts lhat be is opposedhe prospect of any influence by Marxist states such as Cuba, Nicaragua, and the Soviel Union. At the same lime, although Rios Montt receives US church support and istoward the US Government, he is wary ofinfluences. In these broadcasts he blames the
United States for using economic and interventionist tactics in the past that have retarded ihc development of Guatemala's peasantry.
leadership Style
In ihr Western world, ihe consumeran is greater when he can squander more, and is muchan when he has more lovers and mistresses. Our Indian is morean when he works more, when he can accomplish his task well, when he can accomplish two tasks well. In this manner we should learn lo be nun. Guatemalan men. not "Gringoj"or Russians. The Untied States. Cuba. Russia, private enterprise, the Church, and the Communists ruined Nicaragua and will do the same wiih Guatemala *j
Rios Montt
of siege" and clamping down on political activity. HU illegal detention of tbe controversial academic. Dr. Hurtado. brought charges of kidnaping from the left. (Riot Montt eventually ordered Hun ado released for lack ofndaunted by accusations ofrights violations, Rios Montt also declared that former corrupt politicians would standecisior that brought charge* of expression from tbe right, fj
The President continues to arrest real or alleged coup plotters from the right and has executed convicted terrorists from the left. Over the long term, however. Rios Montt apparently hopes that the moral nature of bis rule will -in the support of tbe rural population, deprive the guerrillas of support, and keep theat bay.j
Implications for Political Btha.iur
Armed with tbe certainty of his faith. Riot Montt will not tolerate interference with his mission for his country. Encouraged by the young military officers who brought nun to power and who consider (he guerrilla war the greatest threat to their government and strengthened in his resolve by his religiouswe believe Rios Montt is capable of cscaLiting his armed response as the situation warrants.f|
fmalUa ele JurAi
addition to the threat from the insurgency, Rios Montt has to contend wiih significant danger from his political
former junta partner. Colonel Gordiiio. Jndenior military officers are dismayed by the power acquired by the younger officers since the coup. The US press has reported that some senior officers have joined leaders from tbe National Liberationand other rightist panics in plans to oust Rios Montt. We believe he will act as decisively and harshly against this threat as to the insurgency. |
Amnesty Notice: "Only Three Days Left*
the pressure and the criticism. Rios Montt is also receiving considerable public support.opulation that has been buffeted by political and economic chaos and brutalized by police andRios Monttast improvement over the oppressive regimes that have precedcdhim^ria^ that would, in all likelihood, succeed
Appendix
Chronology of Events
uneMonti is born in Huehuetenango Province, Guatemala.
in the Army.
from Guatemala Polytcchntcal School and serves as instructor
Maria Teresa Sosa.
Teresa Sosa Rios is arrested and briefly imprisoned.
on faculty ofchool.
Runs for Preatdent as Christian Democratic Party (DCGI candidate Despite apparent victory at polls, is blocked from assuming office
Serves in forced exile as military attache in Madrid.
to Guatemala and convert* to Ihe Church of the Complete Word.
archMontt is named head of tbe ruling three-man junta after coup oustsLucas Garcia.
9 JuneMontt dissolves junta and assumes presidency.
Original document.
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