AFRICA/ANGOLA - The Bishops: "Reconciliation and national unity is a task that never ends"

Wednesday, 11 November 2015

Luanda (Agenzia Fides) – It is necessary to continue the peace and national unification process. This is what the Bishops of Angola call for in their pastoral Letter, sent to Fides, which was published on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of national independence from Portugal. In tracing the history of the independence of the Country, the Bishops recall that they have gone from war against the colonizer to civil war, with heavy foreign interference. Now that the Country has finally found peace (after 2002), it should be noted that "peace and reconciliation is a task and a vital horizon that requires continuous work".
"Therefore we are learning to renew our mentality, stripping it of all evils and prejudices that put us against each other; we are learning to respect the rights and dignity of others; we are consolidating national unity and encouraging the patriotic spirit; Finally, we are building a real Angolan family, in the diversity and beauty of its cultural mosaic. For this task Angola needs all its sons and daughters, without exclusion or discrimination of any kind".
"In this context - the document continues - each of us, in the framework of its powers, has urgent tasks to carry out so that the fruits of independence are permanent and fully appreciated by all". Among the problems to be addressed: narrowing the gap between the extremely rich and those who are extremely poor; promote the right to freedom of conscience, of assembly, freedom of association, demonstration, expression and information, guaranteed by the Constitution, so that citizens are able to exercise a responsible and participatory citizenship; improve basic and professional education "to overcome the darkness of ignorance and obscurantism that hold entire communities trapped in their oppressive beliefs". "Finally, to safeguard the dignity of our culture of Christian origin against religious fanaticism and cultural globalization of some by trying to trivialize God, life and family, with the import of foreign models". The Bishops conclude by entrusting Angola to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 11/11/2015)


Share: