The following notes have been edited to correct errors and to add explanations and updates. Parenthetical notes and remarks from the original are enclosed in parentheses. Present day [2022] updates are italicized and enclosed in square brackets.
Thursday, 17 October 1992 2:15 PM National Debate, and Mass at 22nd of April Parish
The afternoon schedule lists "National Debate" and I am anticipating a return visit to the spacious building where we met last year with this prime player in the move toward a negotiated end to the civil war. Much to my surprise, the van delivers us instead to a neighborhood church, where we walk quickly across the broken concrete of the courtyard and enter a low outbuilding, rather like a garage or large shed. The men inside are annoyed; they had expected us at 1:30 and were about to leave. The younger one is introduced as R., a Presbyterian representing the Presbyterian Church USA, who works for the Lutheran University. The other, of slight build and unassuming mein, turns out to be the Rev. Edgar Palacios himself, co-director of DEBATE. Now it is clear to me where we are – the offices of Shalom Baptist Church, a conclusion which I am able to confirm as we leave by a sign which had escaped my notice on the way in.
Betsy makes the introductions for our group, and I wonder if all of the first time people are aware of what a great honor it is for us to be meeting with Rev. Palacios. Then we listen intently as R. begins a description of the work of DEBATE.
"We here represent the church sector in the movement for peace. The National Debate is what we believe is a miracle of El Salvador. It brings together eighty-five organizations. The principal objective is to bring together during this time of negotiations ideas about what the different sectors of society want when the war is ended. DEBATE is a pluralistic organization, including churches, popular organizations, other religious organizations.
"The role of DEBATE has been to influence the FMLN as well as the government that here there is no more space for war. The Salvadorans want peace and democracy. We believe that the first step is to end U.S. military aid. The government will have fewer arms; then they will hear the cries of the people. With fewer arms they will have less power.
