Urgent Appeal by the Ecumenical Committee and the Casa Ben Linder

The Ecumenical Committee (EC) is a grass-roots, volunteer-based organization of about 75 members, representing approximately 30 different organizations. With an active Board of Directors, the EC oversees the activities of Casa Benjamin Linder in Managua, Nicaragua. This is the link through which many first language English-speakers stay connected to the solidarity movement in Nicaragua. Members organize a broad range of activities including educational presentations and activities that support international solidarity work with Nicaraguan social justice organizations and that pressure the US government to change policies that adversely affect the poor and marginalized.

Many of you are concerned with the poverty and difficulties that exist here in Nicaragua. We all have had the experience of seeing the pain and injustices but not knowing what we can do. Below is a situation of injustice where you can do something very concrete to help.

The Ecumenical Committee invites you to become part of a nonviolent campaign to secure justice for the Padilla family.

Vicente Padilla, his wife Carmen, and their five children farm a small plot of land about three hours north of Managua. Fourteen years ago they bought the land with hard-earned money and started an organic farm. All went well until 5 years ago when a wealthy landowner returned from the United States and decided that, even though he had been paid for this land in the mid-'90’s, he wanted his land back including the small parcel owned by the Padilla family. Since Vicente Padilla has papers and a court order verifying his ownership, this wealthy landowner has used intimidation and violence to get the Padilla family off the land.

This is one of thousands of similar situations in Nicaragua today in which poor farmers have found themselves fighting costly court cases, threatened and even killed trying to preserve their land. Since the 80’s much of the land in Nicaragua both rural and urban is in dispute and there are cases of bribery to judges and police. Many neighbors have been helping and are watching the Padilla case since he is a community leader who has taken a stand and they know if he fails they, too, will lose their land. (For further information read further down and visit www.casabenlinder.org)

Over the past few years the Ecumenical Committee has gotten to know the Padilla family. We are moved by their commitment to nonviolence even in the face of beatings and the recent stealing of their entire coffee crop, leaving the family without an income. Together with Nicaraguan organizations, we are accompanying the family as a way to encourage them, try to protect them from physical harm, and let the wealthy landowner and the courts and police know that others are watching.

And here is where you come in!

One of their main concerns right now are monetary needs: for the living expenses of the Padilla family and two other families who live on the land, for legal costs, to repay the loan from the coffee cooperative incurred because of the crop theft.

The Ecumenical Committee wants to raise:

$300.00 per month for living expenses of the three families
$150.00 per month for legal costs, transportation, copying/filing fees, etc.
$900.00 to repay the loan

We are particularly contacting delegations that have recently been to Nicaragua, know the situation and might be interested in being a part of the “accompaniment” team of the Ecumenical Committee. There are about 10 such delegations. However, we also welcome individual donations. This is one real way that you can fight for social justice here in Nicaragua.

It would be an amazing help to the family if your group or congregation were able to raise a total of $360
$ 90.00 towards the loan repayment
$270.00 for living expenses and legal costs ($45 per month for 6 months)

Your group or congregation will become part of the accompaniment team and we will keep you informed of what is happening.

If you find it in your hearts to become part of the accompaniment team, please contact me at casabenlinder@gmail.com attn: Penn, so we can figure out the best way of arranging your financial assistance. On behalf of the Ecumenical Committee and the Padilla family, I’d like to thank you in advance for even considering this proposal. More than the money, just knowing that there are people who have never met the family but care is very important to the Padillas. If you would like, next time you’re in Nicaragua we’ll make sure you meet them and perhaps even visit their land!

With sincere appreciation,
Ms Penn Garvin
President of the Board of Directors
Ecumenical Committee/ Casa Benjamin Linder