«This document should be seen as a discussion paper for an agreed pastoral strategy for every level of the Church in Africa,» the bishops state.
«The scourge of war and violence, with all its ramifications, seems one of the forces most opposed to the mission of the Church and to the advent of the Kingdom of Christ,» they add. «Thus, the Church-as-Family of God is an effective pastoral strategy to combat division and hatred, violence and war both in Africa and the world.»
The pastoral letter covers such issues as 20th-century conflicts, with particular reference to Africa; the peace offered by Christ; and the Church-as-Family of God.
