Bishops condemn chaos, corruption, anti-Christian violence in Central African Republic

June 25, 2013

The Catholic bishops of the Central African Republic have warned the country’s new leader that the society’s “social fabric is completely torn.”

In a message to Michel Djotodia, the president of a transitional government, the bishops decried “the loss of human lives, and the rapes, looting, the burning of villages, the destruction of fields, violations and looting of private homes, families illegally dispossessed of their homes illegally occupied by a strong man or by an armed gang.” They also condemned environmental destruction, looting, and corruption by government officials.

The bishops saved their strongest condemnation for “the zeal and determination” with which the victorious rebel group Seleka has “desecrated Christian places of worship and looted the wealth of Christians.” The Church leaders pleaded with government leaders to bring stability to the nation, as the first requirement for talks about the country’s future.

 

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Further information:

• "The social fabric is completely torn" the Bishops write to the President of Transition (Fides)