MY PEACE I GIVE YOU
Dear Catholics and People of Good will,
We the Catholic Bishops deeply concerned about the worsening situation in our beloved country, Kenya, come to you once more addressing the urgency for peace.
Our country is in a perilous situation and has grave
problems. People continue to be killed; houses and food are being burned; children cannot go to school, our youth are restless, hatred is being invented and stored, roads are
being blocked and security is breaking down. We are witnessing ethnic cleansing and other crimes against humanity. Our country is coming to a standstill in almost all aspects of life.
1. It is not too late, however, for our leaders to change their ways and to talk to each other. This is not the time to pass the buck with regard to who is right or wrong. For this reason, we give full support to the meditation efforts of Mr. Kofi Annan and his team. We ask Your Excellency President Mwai Kibaki and Hon. Raila Odinga, to open your minds and hearts and immediately enter into dialogue.
2. We ask for an immediate cessation of violence and of situations which lead to violence. This includes the organisation of demonstrations that lead to violence in this volatile situation and also the excessive use of force by disciplined forces.
3. We ask for an immediate cessation of the use of the violence of intimidating and irresponsible statements, language, rumours and even through the mobile phone. No more Arrogance! No more incitement of an open or hidden nature!
4. We believe that this is not the time to “force” displaced people to go to places where there is now nothing to go back to. The poor and the powerless have been further impoverished. Where with they go?
5. Our leaders must come up with a viable political solution guided by the law. This will be the beginning of a process of healing and reconciliation. We beg you, our leaders, in the name of God, present and future generations of Kenyans to stop this destruction of our beloved country Kenya.
In conclusion, we encourage our Catholics and all people of
good will to continue the prayers and the coming together again of all Kenyans. We know the many generous ways in which you are responding to this crisis. Please continue to do so. All of us want to get on with our lives – educating the children, healing the sick, doing our business, worshipping of God and helping each other in our journey through life. Peace be With You.
Signed by: His Eminence John Cardinal Njue and all other 23 bishops of Kenya
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