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from a CATHOLIC perspective

      CALI, 31 (NE) Archbishop Isaias Duarte of Cali formally excommunicated yesterday members of the National Liberation Army (ELN) that kidnapped faithful during a Mass held at La Maria church. The Archbishop had previously announced he would proceed with excommunication if people were not liberated by the end of this month.

      The decision was announced during a Mass held yesterday at 8:30 p.m. in La Maria church, attended by several friends and family members of the people kidnapped last May 30 by the guerrilla group.

      The main reason for excommunication, explained Archbishop Duarte, was sacrilegious kidnapping. The excommunicated can be withdrawn if members of the guerrilla group repent and liberate the 45 prisoners still held captive. During his homily, the Colombian Prelate explained the consequences of excommunication, urging ELN members to repair the damage done and begin true peace dialogues.

      "That is what we want: that they understand that they have acted wrongly, and that is why they are being set aside from the Church's communion. We hope they can understand they have committed a terrible mistake and that they must repair the damage and return to the Church's body," said Archbishop Duarte.

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