Romero the Movie Reflection

1. Describe the conversation between the President- elect and Romero. Why did Romero choose not to attend the President’

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1. Describe the conversation between the President- elect and Romero. Why did Romero choose not to attend the President’s inauguration? How did the other bishops respond? How has Romero changed since the first bishops’ statement? Although Romero brought up the murders of the members of the church and the regular disappearances of innocent people to the President-elect, the President-elect paid no heed to that and instead changed the topic to inviting Romero to his inauguration. This no doubt raised the ire of Romero, as the President-elect ignored the atrocities that is happening all over the country. Romero refused the President’s invitation as he felt that his presence in the inauguration would make it seem that the church is allying with the government. He did not want the people to believe that the church is agreeing with the actions of the government. He also felt that they should not be celebrating while their people are suffering. The bishops’ respond to Romero’s refusal was more of vexation as they did not want to be seen as “radicals” that opposed the government. Although, the other bishops agreed to not show up in the inauguration too as they fear for their life. A bishop remarked that Romero has changed since he became the archbishop as he was not as conservative anymore. 2. In two scenes, Romero is intimidated into leaving the church in Aguilares, and then returns. Why did you think he return? How are these scenes symbolic of his entire experience as an Archbishop? He returned not just for the Eucharist, he returned to prove that the church is for the people to use for worship and communion, not just some barracks for soldiers. This symbolizes that not anyone can just take away the house of God from the people. It also signifies his responsibility as a member of a church to instill hope and faith and to serve the people. 3. “My task is not to run the country. My task is to keep my priests and our people from getting killed.” What role do you think the Church should play in society? Explain. The role of the church in society is to be the moral compass, based from divine justice for all to follow. The church does not aim to rule the country, instead it fights for the repressed and have them attain basic human rights. The church should also be the one to guide and instill hope and faith to its people amidst their struggle against social injustices. 3. How does the movie relate to the Church’s role in the promotion of social justice? The protagonist, Romero portrays a role of an ideal member of the church that fights for social injustices. He makes his stand to the repressors to bring people together and hold masses in midst of the chaos. He also speaks out to the repressors by condemning their actions and asks them to be in solidarity with the people. Also, the church’s role to the society is to become a moral compass to also promote social justice. However, this does not refer to the priests or bishops alone, this also refers to the members of the church, namely its people. The movie also portrays the people being in solidarity fighting for one cause. 4. What principles or themes of social justice where expressed and shown in the movie? How were they expressed?  

Human Dignity – as we are created in the image of God our life is sacred. The movies shows how the antagonists, in this case the government, shows no regard for it as they kill and torture people. Community and Common Good – this is heavily emphasized as the way we organize politics and policies directly affects human dignity and the protection of human rights. This principle is also ignored as the government itself is tormenting the people.

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Participation – this has also been ignored by the government as they ignore the pleas of its people. Rights and Responsibilities – the government has almost stripped the rights of the people to protest and voice out their complaints to the government by kidnapping, threats and ultimately by killing them. Solidarity – it is as important that we recognize each other as brother and sisters and we acknowledge each other’s human dignity. This was asked by Romero from the repressors in hopes to stop the violence.