Sydney (Fides Service) - More political co-operation and equal and just laws, more solidarity among peoples and cultures, more intense inter-religious relations are the weapons needed to fight terrorism in south east Asia again recently targeted in Bali. This is the opinion Jesuit Father Mark Raper, provincial of the Society of Jesus in Australia and for several years director of Jesuit Refugees Service international
“When we see evil we must call it by its right name. The bomb blasts in Bali were criminal, brutal acts perpetrated by a vile ideology of people with neither conscience or scruples. No religion can justify this sort of behaviour. Violence must be opposed by all believers and especially Christians called to be ‘builders of peace’”.
The Jesuit fears these latest attacks may provoke widespread trauma and dejection: “At the social and political level we must not abandon the path of dialogue and diplomacy” on the one hand reinforcing security measures and on the other keeping channels open with Islamic communities, encouraging them to be our allies in the fight against violent fundamentalism.
Fr. Raper said that putting the role of the United Nations again at the centre of international politics is an important step towards world peace. For its part the Australian government can contribute at the level of political co-operation, working to intensify social and cultural relations with the countries of south east Asia different in ethnic origin, culture, language and religion.
In the meantime in Indonesia after the recent attacks in Bali the Bishop of Denpasser, the main town in Bali, has urged Catholics to pray for the victims and their families, particular in this month of October dedicated to the prayer of the Rosary. Special prayers for peace in the world have been organised in Catholic parishes, religious communities and associations and schools all over the country. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 6/10/2005 righe 26 parole 271)