Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rabat (Fides Service)- The conditions of migrants and scarcity of jobs for local young people were among the main concerns discussed by the Catholic Bishops of North Africa meeting in Rabat Morocco 9-12 June for the Spring Assembly of CERNA (Conference of Bishops of North Africa).
In their closing statement, a copy of which was sent to Fides, the Bishops underpined the role of the Catholic Church in this region to bear witness to Christ and to serve the local people. In particular Church schools, libraries, social service, programmes for development are highly appreciated. At the same time the Bishops said that “cultural changes which come with globalisation, evolution of Islam, challenge us to present our Catholic identity more clearly”. With regard to difficulties encountered by the Church in the Maghreb, the CERNA Bishops ask sister Churches to show solidarity and they add “difficulties we experience can help us discover God’s plan for us. Our Churches live in Hope although unaware of their future”.
The Bishops also discussed justice and peace and the presence and conditions of migrants and refugees from the same Maghreb region and from further afield and they call on Catholics in the region “to continue with respect for local laws, efforts to help people suffering from situations of injustice”
In this regard the Bishops said they are aware that many situations of injustice and suffering have their roots in the human heart and they call for conversion of hearts to strengthen brotherly relations among Christians and with all neighbours. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 16/6/2005 righe 26 parole 290)
