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Congo Brazzaville's Catholic newspaper, “La Semaine Africaine” reports this week that the Bishops of Congo Brazzaville, at the end of their Plenary Assembly, have released a pastoral statement calling on the people of the Republic of Congo to live their “Christian vocation as witnesses of God’s mercy to others.” This, the Bishops emphasise, “means showing God’s forgiveness, compassion, tenderness and love, to build a fairer Congo, where unity, reconciliation, dialogue, harmony and sharing take precedence over selfishness, hatred, rancour, vindictiveness and divisions,” the Bishops emphasise.

The communique of the Bishops says that their plenary assembly focussed on the theme of mercy so that they could give special attention to the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy proclaimed by Pope Francis. They urge the faithful to "take actions for peace and justice in Congo,” which according to the Bishops is a country increasingly, “affected by poverty, misery, pessimism, injustice, vices such as impunity, corruption, fraud, extortion and prostitution," reads the pastoral statement in French.

"Congo needs peace and it's up to us to build it, avoiding all acts of violence and conflicts that lead to war.” The Bishops describe war as the enemy of progress and of humankind.

Further in the statement, the Bishops make a link between love and mercy, stressing the importance "of communion, sharing, exchange and solidarity." They exhort the faithful to put into practice the corporal and spiritual works of mercy especially "in today's society, which is characterised by the globalization of indifference, hatred and violence."

All these factors are opposed to an attitude of mercy. Congolese people must work to overcome all that inflames differences, ethnicity, differences among political parties and religions, the Bishops appeal. Congo’s prelates call upon the people to be more forgiving of one another and encourage Catholics to avail themselves of the Sacrament of reconciliation that brings "freedom gives joy and revives hope."

With regard to the family, they call for the protection of families saying that it is from strong families that strong nations emerge. They urge politicians to be "artisans of peace, of reconciliation, of justice and of truth." The Bishops appeal to the Congolese authorities to organise "fair and transparent elections" (due in October)  which will guarantee the rule of law.

Referring to the media, the Bishops remind media practitioners to strive towards the truth and to promote social inclusion by building bridges that facilitate inclusion.

In conclusion, the prelates stress once more the theme of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy which requires all citizens to be, “Merciful like the father.” In particular, they urge the faithful to "rediscover the love of God who forgives and restores life.

 (Email: engafrica@vatiradio.va)

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