AFRICA-File: the Regional and Interfaith Network of Religious Leaders for Peace (RINRLP)

Rome (Fides Service) - The Regional and Interfaith Network of Religious Leaders for Peace (RINRLP) was born at the end of the international Conference of religious leaders of the 4 countries affected by the LRA (Lord's Resistance Army) in Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo DRC, South Sudan and Central African Republic, which took place in Kisangani (DRC) in February 2010 (see Fides 01/30/2010 and 02/05/2010). "The genesis of the convening of the Conference of Kisangani is to be situated in the folds of the work of the second Special Synod for Africa held in Rome in October 2009", is read in a document presenting the network, sent to Fides.
"The network is non-political, interdenominational and gathers Catholic, Anglican, Muslim and Protestant religious leaders. The registered office of the RINRLP, according to its statutes, is currently in the Archdiocese of Kisangani" the document states. The RINRLP has a mission in the promotion of peace and security in all areas affected by the LRA and the conviction that every conflict can be resolved peacefully through dialogue and negotiation, respecting the dignity of everyone. "This position is evidenced by the fact that all military operations against the LRA have not yet been successful and, on the contrary, any attack against the LRA, is followed by the insecurity and misery for the people ".
"The network intends to exercise a strong awareness-raising activity so the issue regarding the LRA draws the attention of the national, regional and international community, in order to adopt a coherent and effective strategy, so that the paths of dialogue and negotiation are explored by all national and international actors", says the document.
The RINRLP is composed of a Regional Committee, a Secretariat, some working groups and individual National Committees. The Regional Committee is composed of one delegate per country: His Excellency Mgr. Marcel Utembi Tapa (Archbishop of Kisangani, for the DRC), His Exc.Mgr.Jean Baptiste Odama (Archbishop of Gulu, Uganda) and His Exc.Mgr.Juan Jose Aguirre Muños (Bishop of Bangassou, Central African Republic). The delegate of southern Sudan has not yet been indicated. (LM.) (Agenzia Fides 06/15/2011)