Abidjan (Fides Service) - Shortly after the 18 September coup, religions in Ivory Coast came together to stand for peace. As soon as the crisis broke in Abidjan Catholic Bishops and Methodist Church leaders issued a joint statement calling for calm, telling the people: "Do not lose hope because God watches over us. Have no fear and help others not to be afraid".
On October 17 the Ivorian Bishops Conference issued an appeal for dialogue between the warring parties. "Peace and harmony have allowed us to build up our country in the last 30 years. We do not deny that there are difficulties…but there is a means to overcome them: dialogue. We recommend this method to our brothers in conflict. Let us calm down and take the path of dialogue to reach an agreement. War, whatever the motives or reasons put forward to justify it, does more harm than evil".
Earlier, on October 16, the Inter-religious Forum composed of Christians, Muslims and leaders of traditional African religions, made a statement calling on all citizens in the country to join to work for peace. "Whatever our ethnic background, social condition, religious beliefs, political feelings, we will work together to obtain and safeguard peace, for the stability of our beloved nation, Ivory Coast." (Fides Service 14/11/2002)