Church in Niger suspends operation of schools, other apostolates
January 23, 2015
Citing the widespread destruction of churches and other Catholic institutions and the general situation of insecurity, the bishops of Niger have indefinitely suspended the operation of all Catholic schools, health centers, charities, and development agencies.
The bishops said that this suspension would allow them to pray and reflect upon “the painful events we have just endured.” The bishops pleaded for donations and attributed the destruction to rampaging young people who were responding to caricatures of Muhammad that appeared in Charlie Hebdo.
The West African nation of 17.1 million is 80% Muslim and 0.1% Catholic.
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Further information:
- L’Église Catholique au Niger suspend ses activités (L’Église Catholique au Niger)
- Pope laments attacks on Christians in Niger (CWN, 1/21)
- At least 45 churches attacked in Niger (CWN, 1/20)
- Appeal au Don (L’Église Catholique au Niger)
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