Ver Angola

Society

Angolan Catholic Bishops concerned over political discourse that "threatens reconciliation"

The Catholic bishops of the Episcopal Conference of Angola and São Tomé (CEAST) on Monday expressed concern over the "degradation of political discourse" that national unity, reconciliation, justice and peace are under construction, calling for "restraint and mutual respect."

: Ampe Rogério/Lusa
Ampe Rogério/Lusa  

The bishops' concern was expressed in the final communiqué of their first Annual Plenary Assembly, held from February 24 until this Monday at the Marian sanctuary of Muxima, in Luanda, and presented at a press conference.

In the document, presented by CEAST spokesman Belmiro Chissengueti, the Catholic prelates said they are concerned about the "degradation of political discourse that threatens to crumble the national unity, reconciliation, justice and peace that have been built with so much sacrifice.

Therefore, the note said, "they call for restraint, mutual respect, constructive dialogue and a renewed commitment to the nation and ethics."

The Catholic prelates also pointed out that "the social situation of the country continues to worsen, with high levels of poverty, hunger, unemployment, a sharp loss of purchasing power and the closure of businesses.

In addition, the lack of rain in the center and south of the country raises again the specter of famine, so the bishops urge the authorities to create a contingency plan.

Several members of civil society have previously expressed concern over the "aggravation of hunger" in the southern region of the country as a result of the drought, which stems from lack of rain, "endangering the survival" of several families and animals.

The Catholic bishops expressed their concern over the issue, advocating a contingency plan to help vulnerable populations.

The incidents of January 30 in Cafunfo, in the province of Lunda Norte, which resulted in several deaths and injuries, with the police considering it an "act of rebellion" and the population a "peaceful demonstration" also merited reflection in this plenary.

CEAST expressed support and solidarity with the bishops of the ecclesiastical province of Saurimo, which brings together the dioceses or provinces in the east of the country, who "condemned and deplored the acts of violence" that "resulted in deaths and clamorous and incomprehensible violations of human rights in the town of Cafunfo," reads the note.

The Catholic bishops called "for the sake of harmony and plural coexistence, among all, that the material truth of the facts be ascertained and those who acted against the law on both sides be held responsible."

In the religious area, the bishops pointed out the need for the resumption of catechesis by children in all dioceses, observing the rules of biosecurity, due to covid-19.

The need for the "recognition, in the measures of public calamity situation, of the right of Catholics to celebrate the Holy Eucharist daily, just as other social activities are allowed", was also defended by the bishops.

Proposals for the creation of three more dioceses in Angola, the creation of the Mamã Muxima Missionary Institute and the realization of the second International Symposium of Biblical Pastoral were also approved, in the religious sphere.

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