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Archdiocese of Cali responds after 'Rasputín' attacks iconic La Ermita church, closing the temple: 'An iconoclastic act
🇨🇴 Colombia /Conflict & Security

Archdiocese of Cali responds after 'Rasputín' attacks iconic La Ermita church, closing the temple: 'An iconoclastic act against faith'

From El Tiempo · (18m ago) Spanish Critical tone

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The Archdiocese of Cali condemned an act of vandalism at the iconic La Ermita church.
  • An individual, identified as 'Rasputín' or 'el 666,' damaged religious statues and altars.
  • The church has temporarily closed for damage assessment and repairs, and the suspect is in police custody.

The heart of Cali, the historic La Ermita church, became the scene of a shocking act of sacrilege this Wednesday, leaving the faithful and the city's cultural heritage deeply wounded. The Archdiocese of Cali has rightly condemned the brazen attack, labeling it an "iconoclastic act against the faith."

Oramos por quien cometió este delito y solicitamos a las autoridades de la ciudad y a la Policía la atención adecuada y pronta ante estos hechos delictivos

— Arquidiócesis de CaliOfficial statement condemning the attack and requesting authorities' attention.

This was no mere act of mischief; the aggressor, reportedly calling himself 'Rasputín' and 'el 666,' systematically destroyed religious imagery, including the revered Señor de Caña, a devotion deeply cherished in the region. The damage extends beyond religious offense; it is an assault on Cali's cultural patrimony, a tangible link to our history and identity that La Ermita so powerfully represents.

While authorities have apprehended the suspect, who may be suffering from mental health issues or substance abuse, the emotional and spiritual toll on the community is significant. The temporary closure of La Ermita, a place of solace and reflection for generations, underscores the severity of the violation. From Cali's perspective, this attack is not just about broken statues; it's about the violation of sacred space and the deep-seated respect for religious symbols that forms a core part of our social fabric.

un acto iconoclasta que va en contra de la fe de los fieles y vulnera la libre expresión de los creyentes

— Arquidiócesis de CaliDescribing the nature of the vandalism in an official statement.

This incident, broadcast widely through viral videos, unfortunately, might be sensationalized in international media as a mere crime. However, for Colombians, particularly in Cali, it strikes at the core of our beliefs and cultural identity. The swift condemnation by the Archdiocese and the community's outrage reflect a profound sense of violation that transcends simple news reporting. We pray for the perpetrator, but more importantly, we pray for the healing of our community and the restoration of this beloved landmark.

soy el 666

— Alias 'Rasputín'Phrases reportedly uttered by the suspect during the attack, as noted by police.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Tiempo in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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