Following civil war, cardinal promotes unity in Sri Lanka

June 15, 2011

Although Christians form only 8% of Sri Lanka’s population, the Church can play a crucial role in promoting unity in a nation ravaged by civil war, according to Cardinal Albert Malcolm Ranjith Patabendige Don of Colombo.

“We have to be a witness, not so much through words but through actions--the way we live with one another,” Cardinal Ranjith told Aid to the Church in Need. “So, since we are Christians, even though we may be Sinhalese and Tamils, it is essential that… we try to build fraternity as much as possible--and understanding--and then this is the way we would tell others [that] Christians have no problems with race and language.”

The common devotion of Sihalese and Tamil Catholics to Our Lady of Madhu can serve “as a catalyst, as an example [that] people can live together in our faith,” he added.

 

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Further information:

• Bringing healing in Sri Lanka (Aid to the Church in Need)