Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I write to you today with a heavy heart concerning the recent detention of Ms. Ruth Eleonora López, a prominent human rights lawyer and the head of the Anti-Corruption and Justice Unit at Cristosal, a respected human rights organization rooted in The Episcopal Church. Ms. López was arrested late on May 18, 2025, by the National Police without formal charges.
Until earlier today, her whereabouts were unknown, and she had been denied access to legal counsel or contact with her family—raising grave concerns about her safety and the erosion of due process in El Salvador. Thanks to significant public pressure, her family has now been permitted a visit. While this means she is no longer “disappeared”, she remains in detention.
Ms. López has been a steadfast advocate for justice, transparency, and human rights. Through her work with Cristosal, she has courageously exposed corruption and defended the dignity and rights of vulnerable communities. Her international recognition, including being named one of the BBC’s 100 Women of 2024, is a testament to her leadership and integrity.
Friends, I have gotten to know the team at Cristosal and have witnessed their deep commitment to human rights and the Gospel call to justice. Along with other bishops, I am currently discerning the possibility of traveling to El Salvador in the near future to bear witness, engage in fact-finding, and offer our solidarity in person. In the meantime, I ask you to do what you can to elevate this urgent situation—through prayer, sharing information, and advocating with those who may be in a position to help.
To further raise awareness and support, I encourage you to watch the recording of an important online event hosted earlier today by the Episcopal Divinity School. This webinar—at which Ms. López was originally scheduled to speak—spotlights Cristosal’s continued work amid this crisis and addresses the very real dangers currently faced by human rights defenders in El Salvador.
Let us gather in faithful solidarity, lift our voices, and pray for Ruth López, her family, and all who are working tirelessly for justice in El Salvador and beyond.
Faithfully yours in Christ,
The Rt. Rev. Lawrence C. Provenzano
Bishop of Long Island