On previous occasions, we have shared with you the reflections of Bishop Nestor Nongo, who assisted at St. John’s a few summers ago. In his most recent e-mail, he indicated the Central Republic of Africa “has become a ghost country where ethical values were replaced by the gain of power, injustice, the law of the jungle, the settling of scores and the witch hunt. Henceforth Central African citizens have been considered like beasts to be tracked down and killed with impunity.”
He also shared a letter the Bishops have sent to the new President and we share with you a portion of this letter that highlights the suffering that the Church in the Central Republic is experiencing.
Your Excellency the President,
What are the real intentions of this movement against our Christian institutions? Are you the author of the Letter addressed to the Islamic Conference Organisation from Saudi Arabia on April 17th, 2012 (see attachment)? How could you account for the fierceness with which the elements of SELEKA have attacked (destroyed) our institutions? The results are staggering:
1. Systematic theft of our means of transportation (more than a hundred vehicles and machines have been stolen);
2. Desecration of religious buildings and objects. One can cite the example of the parish of Saint Joseph in Mobaye, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Batangafo, and the oratory of the sisters in Markounda;
3. Looting and ransacking of Catholic Radios in Bossangoa and Bambari;
4. Disruption of liturgical celebrations;
5. Fire shots at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Bangui at the end of the celebration of Palm Sunday;
6. Physical assault of priests and religious. An example is the case of the Religious Sisters from Mbrès, priests from the dioceses of Alindao, Bangui, Bossangoa and even the Bishop of Bambari;
7. Hindrance to free movement of pastoral agents (3 bishops, priests and nuns) blocked in Bangui since Holy Week.
We already bring to your awareness that the Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace will timely submit to your office a complete record to this effect.
Given in Bangui on April 23 th, 2013
Most Rev. Dr Nestor Désiré NONGO AZIAGBIA SMA, Bishop of Bossangoa
