AFRICA/ALGERIA - The Bishops: "We hope these unspeakable acts do not give reason to those who take advantage of these attacks to instill hatred"

Tuesday, 17 November 2015 terrorism   bishops  

Algiers (Agenzia Fides) - "Living among the Muslims we witness their conviction and their deep humiliation of knowing that these acts are committed in the name of Islam", write the three Bishops of Algeria in a letter to His Exc. Mgr. Georges Pontier, Archbishop of Marseille and President of the Episcopal Conference of France, and Cardinal André Vingt-Trois, Archbishop of Paris, in which they condemn the terrorist acts committed in Paris on the evening of 13 November. In their letter, also sent to Fides, His Exc. Mgr. Paul Desfarges, Bishop of Constantine and Apostolic Administrator of Algiers, His Exc. Mgr. Claude Rault, Bishop of Laghouat, and His Exc. Mgr. Jean Paul Vesco, Bishop of Oran, express their indignation at the attacks "diabolically planned".
In expressing their "deepest sympathy" to the families and friends of the victims, the Bishops reaffirm their conviction that "nothing can justify this massacre", and that "the claim of responsibility of the horror perpetrated by a terrorist organization hides behind absolutely unjustifiable religious pretexts".
"Along with the condolences - the Bishops add - we also express the fear of seeing confirmed and strengthened the feelings of xenophobia and anti-Muslim attitudes that weigh heavily upon the faithful of Islam".
"We hope these unspeakable acts do not give reason to those who take advantage of these attacks to instill hatred" say the Bishops of Algeria, who on the contrary express the desire to "prove that brotherhood is possible and that our differences do not prevent the communion hearts and spirits". (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 17/11/2015)


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