The Church should spearhead the peace building process in the various conflict zones on the African continent, a catholic Bishop has said.
Making his submission during a study session at the ongoing AMECEA plenary assembly in Lilongwe Malawi, Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro, of Tombura-Yambio diocese in South Sudan said that there are 17 countries in Africa either in conflict or recovering from one.
“The church needs to be part and parcel of the regional conversations in order to ensure that African countries develop social, economic and political policies that respect human dignity,” he stated. The Bishop pointed out that conflicts and governance challenges in the AMECEA Region, affect the evangelization mission of the church.
Another challenge the Church is facing today in Eastern Africa is the rising cases of Inter-religious conflicts and extremist violence, especially in Sudan and South Sudan, Tanzania, Nigeria and Kenya. “Terrorist (alshabaab) acts leading to thousands of deaths are all threats to evangelization mission,” he said.
Besides the above the bishop said that lack of proper management of resources, massive unemployment, power struggle among political leaders and corruption are part of the threats to evangelization Mission.
“The Church is trying to respond through Pastoral Letters, Catholic Justice and Peace Commissions, spiritual animations and liturgical services, Universities, colleges & schools and Social services; however the limitations to these channels are still enormous,” he said.
The limitations of the Pastoral Letters for instance include limited distribution and circulation, lack of engagement with structures of governance (dialogue through the media) and lack of adequate engagement with the professionals.
The Bishop said that the Church can do this by encouraging human promotion in all forms; encouraging the culture of documentation; encouraging indigenous theological reflections and expanding the possibilities for preventing violence.
By Fr. Philip Odii National Communications Coordinator UEC and Pamela Adinda AMECEA Social Communications