AMERICA/HAITI - Dialogue, tolerance, truth, justice, forgiveness and reconciliation are values needed for rebuilding the nation and respect for institutions: Catholic Bishops of Haiti issue message to the people.

Tuesday, 16 March 2004

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Port au Prince (Fides Service) - Concerned at the situation of spreading poverty and insecurity despite the presence of foreign troops, which provokes violence, revenge, hatred which like in a nightmare strike repeatedly the people of Haiti, the country’s Catholic Bishops issued a Message addressed to “all our brothers and sisters in Haiti and overseas and to all persons of goodwill”.

The message is a call not to be discouraged, not to give way to desperation but to react by building with reasoning a better future. The Bishops call for “a reestablishment of order and security on the streets, in homes, the lowering of prices of basic commodities, safety for transport of humanitarian aid, re-opening of schools and universities, working for unity despite differences, uniting of efforts for reconciliation and restoring peace in the country to allow Haiti to walk on the path towards peace and prosperity ”.
The Bishops say however that to build the nation that everyone dreams of each person must bring his or her grain of sand, resolve to lay down arms, avoid any action which can incite to hatred, violence revenge etc.. “To rebuild the country we must return to the values of dialogue and tolerance, truth, justice, forgiveness and reconciliation and respect for our institutions”.
Institutions must be at the service of the people not an individual or group. Those who are chosen by the people must respect the country’s Constitution and laws; administrators of public affairs must show their honesty and professional uprightness. Each and all “must assume in truth his or her responsibilities” the Bishops say.
The Message ends with a strong appeal to walk towards the future with decision, avoiding the errors of the past: “The Season of Lent - a time for reflection, revision of life, of prayer and conversion - calls each and all to authentic renewal: let us not close our hearts today, let us listen to the voice of the Lord”. (R.Z.) (Agenzia Fides 16/3/2004; righe 26 - parole 353)