NAD
Supporting Them Support Themselves

The recent episodes of violence that have plagued the Plateau State(central Nigeria) in the past months (see Fides 17/3/2010 and25/3/2010) were at the heart of the discussions at the 8th GeneralAssembly of the Archdiocese of Jos, the State's capital. The theme ofthe Assembly was: “The Challenges of Religious and Political Conflictsto the Church in Plateau State” and it was held August 16-20 at the“Sacred Heart Pastoral Centre” in Jos. “The General Assembly regretsthe loss of lives and property as a result of these crises in the stateand we condole with the bereaved families, while praying for the soulsof the departed to rest in peace,” says the final statement sent toAgenzia Fides.

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There is no doubt that either directly orindirectly we have all suffered from the crises in the state,” thedocument continues. “In spite of the severe economic, political, socialand security challenges that we face in the State and the country atlarge, we encourage Christians not to lose faith in the Almighty Godnor be paralyzed by fear and anger but rather, to renew their love forGod and neighbour. We resolve to step up our teaching of the Church onthe culture of love. The Church continues to teach love, peace,reconciliation; no matter the cost. Every Catholic is called to be anagent of the change we want to see. We pray for peace in our hearts,our homes, our state and country. Let us be the first to say 'no toviolence' and be in the frontline of developing a culture of peace andnon violence.

The Assembly recognize the efforts made by thepolice force and government authorities in keeping peace in the regionand encourage all citizens not to take justice into their own hands,but to inform security authorities of any suspicious movement. “Werestate the importance of dialogue in conflict resolution. The stand ofthe Catholic Church is that dialogue remains a veritable means topeace. The dialogue of life means reaching out lovingly to anotherperson, irrespective of ethnic or religious differences. The recentcrises have generated so much mistrust that it will take a lot of workto rebuild Muslim-Christian trust and relationship.”

Varioushypotheses on the cause of the violence emerged in the assembly debate.“The lack of clear understanding of the origin and cause of the criseshas generated problems even among Christians. While some see nothing inthe crises other than the attempt by Muslims to encroach on the sacredspace of what is considered a very Christian State, others think thatthe root causes of the crises are ethnic, social and political, butgiven a religious coloration. The crises must be put in rightperspective. The causes are multiple and so religion alone should notbe blamed,” the message emphasized