Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bangkok (Agenzia Fides) - "We Catholics, as a part of Thai society, cannot remain indifferent in this delicate situation of conflict. All men are children of God. We need to respect the value of life and human dignity. The principles of love, compassion and forgiveness are the only means to emerge from this crisis." This is what the entire Catholic Church in Thailand expresses in a heartfelt appeal, a copy of which was sent to Fides. The document is signed by the Bishops' Conference of Thailand, the Association of Major Superiors of Religious Orders (both male and female), from lay groups and ecclesial movements, Catholic schools and institutions, and the Associations of Women Entrepreneurs and Catholic Businessmen.
All the most significant groups from Thailand's Catholic community, on all levels, came together and launched – with one voice – an appeal for a prompt solution to the social and political crisis in the country, asking all to abandon the path of violence and not allow further bloodshed.
The text sent to Fides reads: “The present crisis comes from the conflict and divisions that exist within society, as is evident in our national history and which have caused a loss of human lives and damage to property. If the violence does not end, it will lead to catastrophe in our beloved country,” the text warns.
The Catholic citizens of Thailand, seeing themselves as directly involved in working for the common good of the nation, remind everyone that “we are all children of God and we should all love our nation, paying special, unconditional, and undiscriminated attention to rural inhabitants.”
Thus, an appeal is made “to integral respect for life and human dignity,” to “make the principles of love, compassion, and pardon firm points, according to the Word of God: do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
Catholics call for an effort on every level to “cease any form of violence and use peaceful means to resolve the painful conflict that exists, to rebuild social harmony in the nation.”
In particular, as faithful who profess faith in Jesus Christ, all are committed to “coming together for the celebration of the Eucharist, praying to God for peace and offering special prayers for the victims of the conflict; praying the Holy Rosary for peace, every day, for the entire year of 2010; observing a moment of silence and meditation every evening at 6pm, as a prayer for unity and peace in the nation.”
In the meantime, Catholic faithful and churches in the capital are working directly to offer aid to “internal refugees” who have fled the parts of the city that have seen clashes between demonstrators and police. The Church in Thailand is organizing a prayerful march this Sunday, May 23, in Bangkok, to invite the faithful and men of good will to place the faith first and call on God for help, to work for the reconciliation of the nation. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 20/5/2010)
