AFRICA/NIGERIA - US Bishops express solidarity with Nigerian Church and people

Jos (Agenzia Fides) - “We share the concern that the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria articulated in your February 2010 Pastoral Letter regarding the acts of hostility that have occurred among ethnic and religious communities within Nigeria. We affirm your call to the Nigerian Government to make public the outcome of investigations into riots that took place in Jos and other cities. The cycle of violence that goes back many years must cease.” This is how the Committee on International Justice and Peace of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops expressed its solidarity with “the Church and people of Nigeria,” and condolences for the victims of the most recent violence reported in the Plateau State (see Fides 17/3/2010).
The message, which has been sent to Fides, is signed by Bishop Howard J. Hubbard of Albany, Chairman of the Committee on International Justice and Peace in the USA, and states that “Catholic Relief Services, the relief and development agency of our Conference, is working with the Diocese of Jos to come to the aid of those who have been affected by the violence. I am confident that together with the local Church CRS will do what it can to help alleviate the suffering.”
“I look forward to our Conference's upcoming visit to Nigeria later this year when I hope to have the opportunity to demonstrate solidarity in person and to learn more about how the Church is work to promote justice, peace and reconciliation in your beloved country,” concludes Bishop Hubbard.
In Jos, the Plateau State capital, police authorities have arrested 162 people following the latest clashes, which caused at least 500 victims. Forty of them are accused of terrorism and murder, crimes that are punishable by the death penalty. The others arrested are accused of illegal possession of weapons, riot, and arson. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 23/3/2010)