RABAT, Morocco, MARCH 28, 2011 (Zenit.org).- The bishops of North Africa are calling for an end to violence in that region, stating that war solves nothing and expressing concern for the victims.
The Episcopal Conference of the North African Region (CERNA), which includes bishops from Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya, released a statement reaffirming the “urgent appeal to find an end to this painful conflict, just and dignified for all.”
It noted the “processes of historical development concerning Arab countries and especially the Maghreb,” namely, the violence that has recently sprung up in countries such as Yemen, Jordan, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Syria and Bahrain.
The statement, signed by Archbishop Vincent Landel of Rabat and sent to Fides news agency, noted that at the basis of these events there is a “legitimate claim for freedom, justice and dignity, particularly by the younger generations.”
It added, “This demand translates into a desire to be recognized as responsible citizens with the opportunity to find a job that allows them to live decently, excluding all forms of corruption and cronyism.”
“Today this wind of change passes through Libya,” the prelates affirmed. “And we especially unite with our brother bishops in Tripoli and Benghazi, and with all communities in the country.”
They continued: “We know that war solves nothing, and when it breaks out, it is just as uncontrollable as the explosion of a nuclear reactor!
“The first victims are always the poorest and most disadvantaged.”
“Moreover, whether we like it or not, the war in the Near East, and now in the Maghreb, will always be interpreted as ‘a crusade,'” the bishops stated.
“This will have inevitable consequences on the friendly relations that Christians and Muslims have woven and continue to weave,” they lamented.
The prelates concluded, “We pray to the Almighty to inspire the leaders of nations to find the path that leads to justice and peace.”
