AFRICA/MOZAMBIQUE - “We have made substantial progress towards democracy, but more must be done," say Mozambican Bishops

Maputo (Agenzia Fides) – In reply to the message that the Synod Fathers addressed to Africa, the primary need is to make recourse to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This is what the Bishops of Mozambique said in their Final Communique (sent to Agenzia Fides), published at the end of their second Plenary Assembly that ended on November 7th.
During the Meeting, the Bishops heard the reports of Mozambican participants at the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops and have examined its conclusions. To implement the conclusions of the Synod, the Bishops' Conference has called for reconciliation based on forgiveness: "In the path of reconciliation is forgiveness. There is no reconciliation without forgiveness. A true forgiveness turns enemies into friends, victims into brothers and sisters. This is the way to end the hatred, vengeance, and war ".
The Bishops emphasize the importance of the Sacrament of Reconciliation: "Christ has given us the Sacrament of Reconciliation so as to continually renew our friendship with God, this sacrament has its own power and effectiveness to reconcile with each other."
As for the recent parliamentary and presidential elections of Mozambique (see Fides 28/10/2008), the Bishops expressed their satisfaction with the peaceful conduct: "We thank God that the entire election period was carried out in order, mutual respect, and without violence. Let us recognize the efforts of our people and the organizers of the campaign. They have made considerable progress towards democracy." The Bishops point out, however, that "although the final results are obvious and indisputable, we regret that the guarantees for free elections, fair and transparent, have been frustrated in several areas, due to irregularities which do not help the proper political education of our people. So we must continue to work for the growth of citizenship and for the social and political responsibility of every citizen. "
The statement points out, at the end, the appointment of Fr. Athanasius Canira as National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies of Mozambique, replacing Fr. Inacio Mole. He is congratulated by the Mozambican Bishops' Conference. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 17/11/2009)