Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) - “Paths of peace have been opened by the Bishops, consecrated persons, Church communities, the laity, individually or in associations. There are still some obstacles to overcome...The Church has participated on various levels in reestablishing peace in a certain number of countries, thanks to the teachings and work of her Pastors. In the Great Lakes Region, for example, the Bishops' Conferences have worked to establish peace, through reaching out to the youth in the countries in conflict.” In the Instrumentum Laboris of the Second Special Assembly of the Bishops for Africa (no. 63, 67). These affirmations were made by Fr. Richard Baawabr, Ghanan priest of the Whtie Fathers (Missionaries of Africa), present in Africa since 1868 and working concretely in evangelization and dialogue with Islam in 22 African countries.
“The Church has always played an important role in mediation between parties in national conflict, on both a regional and local level” Fr. Richard told Agenzia Fides. It is above all the daily work in contact with people that can bear fruit. We have seen that reading the Word of God and prayer in community give a great inspiration to the people to seek means to resolving the conflicts and ethnic tensions.” The paths of evangelization in these times...have taken various courses. It seems that the most efficient today is the small ecclesial base communities. “The small communities are formed by small groups and led by people with an adequate formation and responsible for the faith of the group. A family climate is created, along with profound knowledge, which is how the spirit of charity and mutual aid becomes spontaneous and immediate.”
Thus, the expressed desire of the Instrumentum Laboris in no. 84 and 88 becomes a reality: “As a force towards unity and the building of a more just and fraternal Christian community and society, the Word of God is the source of the reanimation and revivification of the community’s members. Consequently, it is important to listen to, meditate upon and heighten the experience of the Word, which is the privileged place where the wonderful plan of God is realized for individuals and all creation. Experiences in families where the Bible is the center of their lives and is part of the education of their children and the relations between parents, bear witness to the fact that the Word of God restores harmony and concord in the home and strengthens the bonds within the family... the image of the Church as Family is founded on the fatherhood of God, it highlights the African family-values of solidarity, sharing, respect for others, hospitality, togetherness, etc.”
In Africa as well, the social and economic differences between cities and rural areas have their consequences on the family. Fr. Richard comments: “The value of the family is still very strong in Africa, however in the city there is certainly a weaker, more fragile bond, which is subject to heavy pressure and negative tensions. But in the smaller towns, the marriages and family bonds are still strong.”
In this context, the situation in Africa should grow more in terms of respect for the woman, both in family life and in Church and civil life. “Each one should assume his role and do his part. They should be prepared to do it, as the mothers in the home, religious sisters in the Church, and women in general in society should be more listened to and valued. The woman has a valuable role to play in reconciliation among peoples and ethnicities, giving greater force to the message of Christ.” The fratricide is one of the most scandalous and tragic evils of many African nations. The missionary comments: “Unfortunately, the causes reside in external factors, such as the fact that the wealthy nations take advantage of the wars to create jobs, create and maintain social and political confusion, so as to control and work better on promoting their own interests. Then there are the internal factors, determined by the inability of the political and social actors to establish a social fabric and healthy economy.” (MT) (Agenzia Fides 2/10/2009)
