Madagascar’s bishops lament corruption, gap between rich and poor, ‘gender theory’

November 22, 2013

As a December 20 runoff presidential election approaches, the bishops of Madagascar denounced corruption and the divide between the rich and the poor.

Pointing out that “money exists but is not used for the good of the people,” the bishops said that an “excessive influx of beautiful and powerful cars” and helicopters entered rural areas, leaving “slanders, tribalist exclusions, and the buying of votes” in their wake.

In their statement, which was posted on the website of the Zenit news agency, the bishops exhorted candidates, “Do not trample on national sovereignty. Do not sell the country.”

Calling upon candidates to seek the common good and protect the environment, the bishops also denounced trafficking in human organs and the inroads made by “gender theory,” which “wants to outlaw the essence of the human person, a creature made in the image of God.”

“It is a moral life that is degraded that wants to eliminate life,” the bishops said.

The nation of 22 million is 30% Catholic, 11% Protestant, and 7% Muslim; 52% retain indigenous beliefs.

 

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Further information:

• Madagascar: "Ne vendez pas la patrie" (Zenit)
• Madagascar headed for second round in presidential vote (Reuters)