AFRICA/CONGO DR - Initiatives on behalf of "Justice and Peace" for reconciliation between Congolese and Rwandans

Thursday, 2 October 2014

Kinshasa (Agenzia Fides) - The diocesan Commissions "Justice and Peace" of Bukavu (capital of South Kivu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo) and Cyangugu (Rwanda) have launched some initiatives for reconciliation between the two Countries. The relations between the two Countries have been crossed by strong tensions for least 20 years, due to the presence of armed groups of Rwandese origin in the Congolese territory and for some border disputes (see Fides 12/09/2014).
"The Church's role is not to take up arms, nor to be involved in politics, but to restore peace through the arms of the Gospel, which is reconciliation, love and forgiveness", said Fr. Xavier Bugeme Sj, pastor of St. Pierre Claver de Nguba in Bukavu.
For this reason, the Archdiocese of Bukavu and the Diocese of Cyangugu have agreed to intensify joint activities between the parishes, pastors and church groups. What is proposed is to multiply meetings among the faithful, priests, choir members in order "to drop the masks of division and develop the bonds of brotherhood". (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 02/10/2014)


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