Camilo Torres Restrepo, Colombian priest and theologian (b. 1929)

Camilo Torres Restrepo: A Revolutionary Priest Reconciling Faith and Social Justice

Camilo Torres Restrepo, born on 3 February 1929 in Bogotá, Colombia, and tragically killed on 15 February 1966 in San Vicente de Chucurí, Santander, was a profoundly influential figure whose life embodied a radical attempt to bridge the seemingly disparate worlds of revolutionary Marxism and Roman Catholicism. A Colombian socialist and a Roman Catholic priest, Torres emerged as a leading proponent of liberation theology, ultimately becoming a member of the National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrilla organization. His journey from academic to armed revolutionary cemented his status as a controversial yet enduring symbol of social justice and radical faith in Latin America.

The Intellectual & Spiritual Foundations of a Revolutionary

Torres’s intellectual development was shaped by a deep commitment to social justice, rooted in his Catholic faith. He was not merely a passive observer of the stark social inequalities prevalent in Colombia during the mid-20th century but an active participant seeking profound societal change. His "social activism and willingness to work with Marxists" frequently troubled established institutions, particularly the conservative elements within the Colombian government and the Church hierarchy, who viewed such collaborations with suspicion, fearing the spread of communist ideology during the tense Cold War era.

A key aspect of his philosophy was his embrace of liberation theology, a theological and ethical movement predominantly developed in Latin America in the 1960s. This movement interprets the teachings of Jesus Christ in terms of liberation from unjust economic, political, and social conditions. For Torres, the "preferential option for the poor" – a core tenet of liberation theology – was not just a spiritual directive but a call to active, even revolutionary, engagement to dismantle systemic oppression. He believed that genuine Christian love demanded a commitment to liberating the oppressed, even if it meant challenging the very structures of power.

Academic Contributions and Growing Activism

Camilo Torres was also a distinguished academic. As part of the academic staff of the renowned National University of Colombia, he played a pivotal role as a co-founder of the Sociology Faculty in 1960, alongside the esteemed Colombian sociologist Orlando Fals Borda. Fals Borda, a pioneer of participatory action research, shared Torres's commitment to a sociology that actively engaged with social problems and empowered marginalized communities. This academic platform allowed Torres to articulate his critiques of Colombian society and to advocate for radical reforms, attracting a significant following among students and intellectuals.

His deep involvement in various student and political movements during this period earned him a large following, who were inspired by his charisma and his unwavering commitment to the poor. Simultaneously, however, it generated numerous detractors, especially from the Colombian government and conservative elements within the Church itself, who saw his radical views as a dangerous subversion of order. The political climate in Colombia during the 1960s was turbulent, marked by the lingering effects of "La Violencia" and the emergence of various guerrilla groups, making any perceived alignment with socialist or communist ideologies highly controversial and often dangerous.

From Priesthood to Guerrilla: The Ultimate Sacrifice

Facing escalating pressure to abandon his radical politics, Camilo Torres made a profound and life-altering decision. Rather than backing down, he chose to embrace a more direct, armed struggle for social justice. He left his position as an academic and, in a dramatic move that shocked many, went into hiding by joining the guerrillas of the National Liberation Army (ELN) in Colombia in 1965. This decision, to trade the pulpit and the classroom for the jungle and the rifle, underscored his belief that conventional means were insufficient to achieve the liberation of the poor.

Within the ELN, Torres served as a low-ranking member, contributing not with military leadership but by providing crucial spiritual assistance and inspiration from a unique Christian communist point of view. He sought to demonstrate that a Christian could, and perhaps should, participate in revolutionary armed struggle as an act of profound charity and solidarity with the oppressed. His presence offered a moral and ideological anchor to the guerrilla movement, reinforcing its claims of fighting for justice and the common good.

Tragically, Camilo Torres Restrepo's involvement with the ELN was short-lived. He was killed in his very first combat engagement when the ELN ambushed a Colombian Military patrol on 15 February 1966. His death, just days after his 37th birthday, instantly transformed him into a powerful symbol. After his death, Camilo Torres was officially declared a martyr of the ELN, forever linking his name with their cause and the broader struggle for revolutionary change in Latin America.

Enduring Legacy and Iconic Statements

Camilo Torres Restrepo remains perhaps best known for his provocative and often quoted statement: "If Jesus were alive today, He would be a guerrillero." This quote encapsulates his radical interpretation of Christianity, suggesting that Jesus's message of love and justice inherently demands active solidarity with the oppressed, even to the point of armed struggle against oppressive systems. It continues to inspire and challenge discussions about faith, politics, and revolution.

Beyond his political and theological impact, Torres cultivated significant personal connections. He was a life-long friend of fellow socialist Luis Villar Borda and the celebrated Colombian writer and Nobel laureate, Gabriel García Márquez, whose works often reflected the social and political complexities that Torres sought to address. These friendships highlight the intellectual and revolutionary ferment of mid-20th century Colombia, where artists, academics, and activists grappled with the same urgent questions of justice and liberation.

Global Reverberations: Torres's Lasting Influence

The legacy of Camilo Torres extends far beyond the borders of Colombia, influencing social justice movements globally:

• In the Dominican Republic in 1970, a revolutionary group was founded under the name CORECATO, which stood for Comando Revolucionario Camilo Torres (Revolutionary Command Camilo Torres). This group notably included Catholic clergy members and university students, demonstrating how Torres's blend of faith and revolutionary action resonated deeply with others seeking similar paths to change.
• In New York City, the San Romero of the Americas Church-UCC founded the Camilo Torres Project in 2009. This ongoing project actively works for social justice and peace for the people of the Washington Heights community, carrying forward Torres's spirit of advocacy and direct engagement with community needs in a contemporary urban context.

Frequently Asked Questions about Camilo Torres Restrepo

Who was Camilo Torres Restrepo?

Camilo Torres Restrepo was a Colombian Roman Catholic priest, socialist, and a leading figure in the development of liberation theology. He gained prominence for his efforts to reconcile revolutionary Marxism with Catholicism and his active involvement in social and political movements, eventually joining the ELN guerrilla group.

What is liberation theology, and how did Camilo Torres relate to it?

Liberation theology is a theological and ethical movement that interprets the Christian gospel in terms of liberation from social, political, and economic oppression. Camilo Torres was a key proponent, believing that his faith called him to actively fight for the poor and marginalized, even through revolutionary means, embodying the "preferential option for the poor."

Why did a Catholic priest join a guerrilla group?

Camilo Torres joined the National Liberation Army (ELN) after becoming convinced that conventional political and social reforms were insufficient to address the deep-seated injustices in Colombia. He saw armed struggle as a necessary, even charitable, act of solidarity with the oppressed, a radical expression of his Christian communist viewpoint, and a last resort to achieve social justice.

What is the significance of his quote, "If Jesus were alive today, He would be a guerrillero"?

This powerful quote reflects Torres's radical interpretation of Christian teachings, suggesting that Jesus, as a figure who challenged oppressive power structures, would align himself with those fighting for justice and liberation, even through revolutionary means, in a modern context. It highlights his belief in the inherent revolutionary potential of the Gospel.

What is Camilo Torres Restrepo's lasting legacy?

Camilo Torres's legacy is that of a revolutionary martyr and an icon of Christian radicalism. He continues to inspire movements seeking social justice and liberation, particularly within the context of liberation theology. His life challenges conventional notions of faith, political action, and the role of religious figures in revolutionary struggles.