Vatican City, 30 November 2015 (VIS) –
Yesterday afternoon the Pope met with the Evangelical Communities of
the Central African Republic in the Evangelical Theological Faculty
of Bangui (FATEB), instituted by the “Association des Evangeliques
en Afrique” (AEA) in 1974 to respond to the needs of this Church in
the African continent and where over 650 leaders have completed their
preparation, going on to serve in the churches and evangelical
institutions of 21 African countries.
Francis was received by the dean of the
Faculty and by three members of the “interreligious Platform”
which has supported the process of national peacemaking: the
Archbishop of Bangui, Dieudonne Nzapalainga, C.S.Sp.the president of
the “Alliance des Eglises Evangeliques Centrafricaines” (AEC) and
the Imam of Bangui.
“We are all here in the service of
the risen Lord Who assembles us today; and, by virtue of the common
baptism we have received, we are sent to proclaim the joy of the
Gospel to men and women of this beloved country of Central Africa”,
began the Pope, following greetings from the dean of the FATEB and
the president of the AEC.
“For all too long, your people have
experienced troubles and violence, resulting in great suffering. This
makes the proclamation of the Gospel all the more necessary and
urgent. For it is Christ’s own flesh which suffers in his dearest
sons and daughters: the poorest of his people, the infirm, the
elderly, the abandoned, children without parents or left to
themselves without guidance and education. There are also those who
have been scarred in soul or body by hatred and violence, those whom
war has deprived of everything: work, home and loved ones”.
“God makes no distinctions between
those who suffer. I have often called this the ecumenism of blood.
All our communities suffer indiscriminately as a result of injustice
and the blind hatred unleashed by the devil. Here I wish to express
my closeness and solidarity to Pastor Nicholas, whose home was
recently ransacked and set on fire, as was the meeting-place of his
community. In these difficult circumstances, the Lord keeps asking us
to demonstrate to everyone His tenderness, compassion and mercy. This
shared suffering and shared mission are a providential opportunity
for us to advance together on the path of unity; they are also an
indispensable spiritual aid. How could the Father refuse the grace of
unity, albeit still imperfect, to His children who suffer together
and, in different situations, join in serving their brothers and
sisters?”
Francis reiterated that the lack of
unity among Christians is a scandal, above all because it is
“contrary to God’s will. It is also a scandal when we consider
the hatred and violence which are tearing humanity apart, and the
many forms of opposition which the Gospel of Christ encounters. I
appreciate the spirit of mutual respect and cooperation existing
between the Christians of your country, and I encourage you to
continue on this path of common service in charity. It is a witness
to Christ which builds up unity”.
He concluded by expressing his wish
that, with a view to achieving the hoped-for full communion, that
those present, “with increasing intensity and courage, …
perseverance and charity, a commitment to prayer and common
reflection”, seek to achieve greater “mutual understanding, trust
and friendship. I assure you of my prayerful support along the path
of fraternal charity, reconciliation and mercy, a path which is long,
yet full of joy and hope”.
“I ask the Lord Jesus to bless all of
you, to bless your communities, and also to bless our Church. And I
ask you to pray for me. Thank you”.
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