Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Fides Service)- “Our small communities of Catholics living among people who are mainly followers of Islam, bear witness to Christ's love for all humanity” said Archbishop Vincent Landel of Rabat, Morocco and president of the Northern African Regional Bishops Conference CERNA, in Rome for the ad limina visit. CERNA is formed of the Catholic Bishops of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya.
“We are free to live our faith and bear witness to it in a Muslim environment” the Archbishop told Fides. “We do not proselytise, our Catholics come from other countries in Europe and sub-Saharan Africa, but we are not isolated from the rest of the population. We have established good dialogue with our Muslim brothers and sisters and work with them in the fields of human promotion and assistance for the needy. The local Catholic Church is respected by both the authorities and the people for her contribution to services in education, healthcare and social. Our task in fact is to show God's infinite love for all men and women and to announce the Gospel with the witness of our life”.
Archbishop Landel said the international situation has no effect on the life of North African Christian communities. “We are well integrated with society and for years we have known and lived in friendship with the Muslims. They know our presence is one of peace based on reciprocal respect. I wish to make it clear that it is quite mistaken and unjust to say “Islamic means terrorist”.
“Much fear and misunderstanding can be overcome by reciprocal knowledge. We must deepen our reciprocal knowledge in order to build a world of peace founded on respect for others” said the Archbishop of Rabat.
“Do you think the Catholic Church in Northern Africa can help Europe understand better the culture and religion on the other side of the Mediterranean, also in the light of the concern caused by the flow of migrants?” we ask Archbishop Landel. “ I cannot say whether our communities can help Europe understand better the world of North Africa. I do know that inspired by the figure of Charles de Foucauld our witness in these countries enables the local people to see the love of Christ especially the assistance which the Catholic Church gives to migrants” concluded the president of the Conference of the Catholic Bishops of North Africa who have called attention many times to the tragedy of migrants seeking a better life in Europe (see Fides 16 February and 3 November 2006). (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 6/6/2007 righe 36 parole 446)
