In a powerful moment of ecumenical solidarity, leaders from two major Christian communities in Buenos Aires, the Anabaptist-Mennonite Church and the Reformed Church, came together on Wednesday, 23 April, to express their support for photographer Pablo Grillo. Grillo, who remains in serious condition, was injured during a violent crackdown by security forces on a peaceful protest advocating for retirees’ rights.
The protest, a weekly event organized by retirees and their supporters, has taken place every Wednesday for years, demanding better living conditions and support from the government. However, the peaceful demonstration was met with force by security personnel on 12 April 2025, following orders from Security Minister Patricia Bullrich. The repression raised alarm across Argentina, with many questioning the government’s approach to civil rights and social justice under President Javier Milei’s austerity measures.
In the wake of this violence, Pastor Gerardo Oberman, representing the Reformed Church, and Mennonite leader Luis María Alman Bornes paid a visit to the Grillo family to offer their solidarity and prayers. The two church leaders presented a financial offering, collected during a special ecumenical service held at the Anabaptist-Mennonite Church in Buenos Aires for the Day of Remembrance. The offering was a sign of solidarity for those affected by the state’s violent response to peaceful protests and a tangible act of support for the Grillo family.
Grillo, a professional photographer who has long advocated for human rights, was deeply involved in documenting struggles for dignity, justice, and the protection of human rights. His work has been crucial in shedding light on the injustices faced by Argentina’s most vulnerable populations, including retirees, the disabled, and the unemployed.
During the meeting, the Grillo family shared their immense gratitude for the gesture of support, expressing that they would use the funds received to continue advocating for the causes Pablo holds dear. The family also expressed hope, as Pablo is expected to begin rehabilitation therapy soon. His recovery, they said, would serve not only as a personal journey but also as a symbol of the broader fight for justice in Argentina.
“The vision for a just society is what unites us,” Pastor Oberman said. “We stand with Pablo and all those who continue to fight for a more inclusive and compassionate Argentina.”
In their discussion, the family and church leaders focused on the importance of creating a society where inclusion is not just a slogan but a reality for retirees, the disabled, and other marginalized groups. The tragic event of Pablo’s injury, they agreed, was not an isolated incident but part of a larger pattern of state repression that affects the most vulnerable in society.
For the Reformed and Mennonite churches, this visit is a reminder of the power of reconciliation and shared faith in the pursuit of justice. Both communities continue to walk together in solidarity with the people of Argentina, committed to raising their voices against injustice and standing with those who have been oppressed by the current government’s policies.
The partnership between the Mennonite and Reformed churches in Argentina is a testament to the transformative power of ecumenical unity. Through their collective efforts, both churches are actively contributing to building a more just and compassionate society, rooted in the shared values of dignity and human rights. Their commitment to working together for change highlights the tangible impact of faith-driven action in promoting social transformation.
As the conversation came to a close, church leaders and the Grillo family reaffirmed their commitment to the cause of human rights and pledged to continue praying for Pablo’s recovery. The churches also vowed to remain active on the streets, where the fight for justice continues, and where solidarity is more important than ever.
In a country where the divide between the rich and poor continues to widen, the efforts of the Mennonite and Reformed communities to support those who stand for a fairer, more equitable society are a reminder of the power of faith-driven action in the face of adversity.
