Bishop Cadavid noted that the goal of this Bible donation is to accompany people of faith, “respecting religious freedom, also respecting the right to justice. Freedom of religion is to accompany believers.
The Bible: inspiration for living moral and human values
The bishop also affirmed that the Word of God is a source of life for many of these members, inspiring them to live high moral and human values. “For the National Police, the Word of God is encouragement and part of its great institutional values, with the wonderful motto that has inspired us: God and Fatherland.”
The awarding ceremony took place at the headquarters of the National Police Directorate, in the presence of General Jorge Luis Vargas Valencia, Director of the Police Department, a number of generals, officers, non-commissioned officers and civilian employees. (Fides August 12, 2021)
Opposition of atheists
Earlier, the National Police expressed its intention to buy 720 Bibles for 64 chapels in 32 police departments. This is a traditional annual sale.
But this decision was later suspended by the Atheist Association's lawsuit; Attorney Nicolás Calderón Grisales argued that purchasing the Bible, a Christian book, violates the obligation of neutrality towards all religions, thereby violating Article 19 of the Constitution.
The Catholic Church has announced that it will donate 500 Bibles to the Police Department.
In response to the lawyer's actions, the Police responded that "the state is not atheist, agnostic or indifferent to the religious feelings of the Colombian people".
It further affirms that Colombia is a secular and pluralistic country founded on religious freedom and equality.
In addition, the Police also mentioned that in conditions of peaceful coexistence there is a need for the intervention of religious entities, especially in situations of forgiveness and reconciliation.