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Let us pray for peace and reconciliation - Bishop Oswald Gomis

The Catholic Bishops' Conference appealed the public to make the post-election period as a period of reconciliation and nation building.

"Let us pray and work for peace and reconciliation and say no more violence in our land," urged the press communique signed by Bishop Oswald Gomis.

It further said:

Painfully aware of the violent situation that prevailed in some parts of the country, both before and during the elections, and the diaster it has already caused in terms of human life, the erosion of fundamental rights, and the destruction of property and economic resources, we make this earnest and urgent appeal to our Christian Faithful and all men of goodwill.

We are at the crucial moment of counting the ballot. This no doubt is a moment charged with feelings of anxiety, which could end either in exuberance or frustration. It could well be a moment of strong sentiment ruled more by passion than reason. The better instincts of calm and controlled decency could give way to strong sentiments of bitterness and revenge, where our base elements could get the better of us.

On several occasions before we have witnessed the appalling realities of such situations, which we had to seriously regret later. We have seen and experienced that no one really benefitted from such situations except the agents of hooliganism, plunderers and shrewd plotters for their own political and other gains. It would be puerile for us to presume that these elements are non-existent in the present situation. These would welcome one rash action on the part of a political leader to begin their mayhem.

Therefore our appeal is to all the leaders of political parties, and others who exercise leadership in the country, to eschew all forms of violence and act with restrain and calm in the midst of whatever provocation. They should refrain from giving any semblance of support for violent retaliation in whatever provocative situation.

Let us remember that any further violence would, besides all other considerations, further destroy the image of our nation before the world. The bad image we have would further deteriorate, and bring us to the status of an uncivilised people in the world. Any conflicts on the results of the election should be settled through the channels proper to such transgressions as other civilised people do.

The best of our religious convictions should stand in good stead for us in this moment of crisis. Our religious convictions should prompt us especially here and now. For us Christians the greatest lesson of Our Lord and Master is forgiveness, reconciliation and love. Is there anything better that could be the motivating factor.

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