TWO Jesuits were arrested in Guyana after taking part in a demonstration protesting against a recent austerity programme in the South American country. They were released without charge.
Both the Catholic and Anglican churches have spoken out against the government's economy drive and in a joint statement callede for a review of the policy. Commenting on the budget, the Guyana Council of Churches said, "while not competent to comment on the technical details of the budget, we have a responsibility to witness the Gospel values, especially with respect to those measures which affect the poor".
The Guyana Council of Churches also condemned the government's decision to ban a broadcast by Bishop Randolph George of Georgetown, the capital.
The priests involved were Fr Malcolm Rodrigues, Jesuit superior and a senior lecturer at the University of Guyana, and Fr John Persaud.
Both the Anglican and Catholic bishops have approached the government to offer their services as mediators but have not yet received any reply.