In Guatemala, the gap between rich and poor must be eliminated, or we will continue to be the example of conflict in America.

I think that nonviolence is one way of saying that there are other ways to solve problems, not only through weapons and war. Nonviolence also means the recognition that the person on one side of the trench and the person on the other side of the trench are both human beings, with the same faculties. At some point they have to begin to understand one another.

The Bible has been used as a way of making us accept our situation, and not to bring enlightenment to the poor.

The media and politics have never allowed our people to speak through them. The absolute marginalization of the indigenous peoples is a fact, as is sophisticated militarization. These have been the most significant ingredients in the silent war.

I wish that a conscious sense of peace and a feeling of human solidarity would develop in all peoples.

I think that if one's role doesn't correspond to what one says, if one's life doesn't correspond to what one preaches, if one is not true to one's people, someone else will come as a substitute.

... only those of us who carry our cause in our hearts are willing to run the risks.