AFRICA/KENYA - The Bishops of Kenya: insecurity, corruption and greed devastate the nation

Saturday, 9 November 2013

Kisumu (Agenzia Fides) - Kenya is gripped by a series of serious problems such as insecurity, corruption and lust for power. Sharing their thoughts and concerns, the Bishops of Kenya, at the conclusion of the meeting held in the Archdiocese of Kisumu, express closeness "to the brothers and sisters of our nation", inviting every citizen "to hope" and do everything in their means. In a statement on 8 November, signed by Cardinal John Cardinal Njue, President of the Episcopal Conference, and sent to Fides Agency, the Bishops analyze the situation citing as first cause for concern, the "state of insecurity", especially in the North, where there were also incidents of burning of churches and killing of religious leaders.
In particular, the Bishops deplore that "some people continue to use God’s name and religion to kill and maim innocent people". Religious extremism - they say - "will only fuel conflicts and create further divisions and conflicts among communities".
Another serious problem is corruption that is "like a dragon that preys on the present and the future of our country". Pastors urge all Kenyans "to exercise the highest standards of integrity in their work and daily duties". Eradicating corruption is a necessity "to save our lives, our nation and for future generations". Next to corruption there are nepotism, lust for power and wealth, discrimination based on ethnic and religious diversity, " which are still rampant in the central and regional administrations".
The Bishops also dwell on the bill to regulate the media, asking to "encourage public participation in the Telecommunications sector", recalling that the role of the mass media is "to highlight the issues of national interest and to be submitted to public debate", according to the principles of transparency and truth.
In conclusion, the text , with the words of St. Paul, calls on the population to "walk in a manner worthy of the vocation of all", exercising values such as humility, meekness, patience, charity and peace, in the hope that they are the inspiring values of the nation (PA) (Agenzia Fides 09/11/2013)


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