Blessed Are the Activists: Catholic Advocacy, Human Rights, and Genocide in Guatemala

Blessed Are the Activists is a book that examines the history of Catholic activism in Guatemala and the failed US policies in the country and region during the 1970s and 1980s. It argues that Catholic activists' definition of human rights, advocacy methods, and structure caused them to act as a transnational human rights NGO that engaged Guatemalan and US government officials on human rights issues, reported on Guatemalas human rights violations, and criticized US foreign policy decisions as a contributing factor in Guatemalas inequality, poverty, and violence. The book also includes interviews with Guatemalan genocide survivors and refugees to provide firsthand accounts of the consequences of those policymaking decisions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 246 pages
Publication date: 02 January 2024
Publisher: The University of Alabama Press

Blessed Are the Activists delves into the captivating history of Catholic activism, driven by a unwavering commitment to mitigate human rights abuses in Guatemala and the misguided policies pursued by the United States in the country and region during the tumultuous 1970s and 1980s. Authored by Dr. John Cangemi, this profound work offers a comprehensive exploration of the profound influence exerted by US Catholic activists on the complex dynamics between the United States and Guatemala during the most turbulent years of the Guatemalan civil wars.

Cangemi's meticulously researched analysis reveals that Catholic activists, through their unique definition of human rights, advocacy strategies, and organizational structure, emerged as a powerful transnational human rights NGO. Their unwavering commitment to justice, solidarity, and peace propelled them to engage with Guatemalan and US government officials, report on the egregious human rights violations in Guatemala, and criticize US foreign policy decisions as contributing factors to the country's inequality, poverty, and violence.

One of the central themes of Blessed Are the Activists is the unwavering emphasis placed on the dignity of Guatemala's most vulnerable citizens. Cangemi highlights the profound connections forged by Catholic activists between justice, solidarity, and peace, which ultimately brought the country's escalating violence, poverty, and inequality to the global forefront. These activists, often at great personal risk, fearlessly raised their voices against injustice, challenging the status quo and advocating for a more equitable and compassionate society.

The book also delves into the intricate dynamics of the strained US-Guatemala diplomatic relationship, shedding light on the underlying factors that exposed the flaws in the Carter administration's decision to link military aid to human rights. Cangemi's analysis reveals how internal foreign policy debates within the Carter and Reagan administrations further intensified the bloody civil war in Guatemala, highlighting the complex interplay of political, economic, and humanitarian factors that shaped the region's history.

To provide a firsthand account of the consequences of these policymaking decisions, Blessed Are the Activists includes interviews conducted with Guatemalan genocide survivors and refugees. These poignant testimonies offer a glimpse into the human suffering and trauma inflicted by the military dictatorship and the civil war, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability and justice.

Furthermore, the book provides an in-depth examination of the sharp rebukes issued by the US Catholic press against US policies on Guatemala and all of Central America when the broader Roman Catholic Church began to move farther toward a more nuanced and critical stance on these issues. Cangemi's analysis sheds light on the internal debates and conflicts within the Catholic Church, as well as the broader social and political context, that influenced its stance on the Guatemalan civil wars.

In conclusion, Blessed Are the Activists is a seminal work that offers a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the history of Catholic activism in Guatemala and the failed US policies in the country and region during the 1970s and 1980s. Through meticulous research, insightful analysis, and compelling storytelling, Cangemi provides readers with a deep appreciation for the courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment of Catholic activists who worked tirelessly to mitigate human rights abuses and promote a more just and peaceful society. This book is a valuable contribution to the field of history, shedding light on the complex dynamics between nations, religions, and human rights, and inspiring future generations to continue the fight for justice and equality.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780817361266