AFRICA/IVORY COAST - Political tensions and identity crises in society: the prophetic role of the Church

Friday, 14 June 2019 politics   human rights   civil society   violence   religious minorities   local churches  

Abidjan (Agenzia Fides) - "The turbulent declarations of Ivorian politicians continue to feed serious threats to the political stability of our country, especially in view of the presidential elections of 2020", says Father Donald Zagore, Ivorian theologian of the Society for African Missions (SMA) to Agenzia Fides. "In an increasingly tense and disturbing socio-political context - continues Fr. Zagore - many are wondering what the Church thinks, with regards to a situation that is degenerating, especially on some crucial questions, linked to the Ivorian identity and to the "ethnic recovery", which today upset people's daily lives".
"The Church - explains the missionary - must be able to anticipate issues with its prophetic role. Its commitment to the peace and stability of this nation must be increasingly visible, concrete and practical, and above all decisive. We want a Church that is the guardian of the people, that interprets values, so that politicians do not end up imposing the logic of private interests".
"While remaining aware of the need and respect for the neutral character of its political commitment, the Church must not give in to resignation, but be present in society and bring the announcement of the Gospel of peace, justice and charity", concludes Fr. Donald. (DZ/AP) (Agenzia Fides, 14/6/2019)


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