Bishops in Niger appeal to Muslims for solidarity after attacks on churches

January 27, 2015

The Catholic bishops of Niger have reached out to Muslims to strengthen inter-religious bonds after a series of violent attacks on Christian churches, the Fides news service reports.

"We want to renew our friendship and brotherhood to the entire Muslim community in our country," the Catholic bishops wrote in a message address to the Islamic community. They thanked those Muslims who had offered “gestures and acts of solidarity” after the January 16-18 raids.

The Catholic Church suspended public activities in Niger after the attacks, in which 45 churches were destroyed and hundreds of Christians driven from their homes. The bishops said that church services “will resume gradually, where it is possible.”

In their appeal to Muslims, the bishops said that they would “build again what our common enemies have deliberately aimed to destroy.”

 

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Further information:

• Anti-Christian violence: the Bishops reaffirm their friendship with the Muslim community (Fides)
• At least 45 churches attacked in Niger (CWN, 1/20)