Catholic Bishops' Short-sidedness

Despite having nearly 80 years of work completely wiped out by the civil war and the rise of Islamic fundamentalism within Somalia over the last 15 years, the Catholic church has failed once again to make a strong statement on behalf of the persecuted Somali Christian minority in the Horn of Africa.

Although in this week's announcement statement pushing for peace and reconciliation in Somalia and the Horn, they remained silent on the plight of persecuted Christians in these areas. The dilemma they will soon face is that if the proposed reconciliation in Somalia occurs with the involvement of the Islamic Courts, then they would essentially be supporting the further repression of religious freedom and the continued persecution and elimination of the Christian minority.

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Somalia: AMECEA Bishops Call for Peace

From: Catholic Information Service for Africa

Catholic bishops from the AMECEA region of Africa have called for collective efforts to bring lasting peace to Somali and the entire Horn of Africa.

In a communiqué issued at the end of their Executive Board meeting, in Nairobi at the AMECEA Secretariat from 7th to 8th March 2007, the bishops said that peace "can flourish only when all recognize that everyone is responsible for promoting it".

"We would like to assure you and the entire people of Somalia that we pray for peace and reconciliation so that there can be more hope for having life in fullness "the bishops said in a message of solidarity sent to Rt. Rev. Giorgio Bertini, OFM, Bishop of Djibouti and Apostolic Administrator of Somalia.

"It is the wish and desire of AMECEA Bishops that reconciliation, justice and peace prevail within the Horn of Africa. Indeed, this will be our main theme for our next 16th Plenary Assembly that will take place in Zambia next year," their statement dated March 9 read in part.

The bishops pledged to contribute to the efforts of bringing peace and reconciliation within the Region in the communiqué signed by among others, Cardinals Polycarp Pengo of Tanzania, Gabriel Zubeir Wako of Sudan and Bishop Paul Bakyenga, chairman of AMECEA.

They stressed the importance of lobbying and advocacy with governments in the Region in order to ensure that the voice of the Church is heard on matters affecting the Great Lakes Region.

"In view of the peace situation in the region, the Executive Board reflected and deliberated on the relationship between Eritrea and Ethiopia and the fighting and peace keeping effort in Somalia," their statement continued.

They stressed the need to understand the real problem in these countries instead of relying on the media because the problems are not as simple.

"During this Lenten Season and Easter celebration later, we call upon all Catholics and all people of good will to pray for peace in the Great Lake Region and the Horn of Africa. Let us all work and pray for lasting peace and reconciliation in the world," they concluded.

Others in the meeting included Archbishop John Njue, Bishop Aaron Chisha, Bishop Cornelius Korir and Bishop Mengsteab Tesfamariam. Bishop Joseph Mkasa Zuza and Alfred Maluma also signed the statement.

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