As Islamists lose ground in Mali, Church may help broker peace
March 08, 2013
Welcoming the French military presence that has broken Islamist rebels’ control of northern Mali, a Church official in the west African nation predicted that there may be a Catholic presence on the newly-created Commission for Dialogue and Reconciliation.
“We think that the Catholic Church will be part of this body, because, as the prime minister said, in the commission the different social and religious components of the country will merge, so that all Malians can identify themselves in this structure,” said Father Edmond Dembele, secretary of the nation’s episcopal conference.
The nation of 15.5 million is 90% Muslim and 2% Catholic, with most of the remainder of the population retaining indigenous beliefs.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
- The population of Mali finds hope again (Fides)
- France to secure Mali before handing over mission (Reuters)
- Humanitarian crisis continues in Mali (CWN, 2/8)
- Mali: bishops welcome French military intervention; feared Islamic rebels (CWN, 1/17)
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
