Gabon's Bishops decry growing insecurity and pray for peace

The Bishops of Gabon have called on citizens of that country to embrace peace. In a message delivered during a Mass for peace, early this week attended by that country’s President, Ali Bongo Ondimba together with several Government officials, the Bishops say they are worried by the deteriorating and acrimonious environment in the country.

The Bishops referred to concerns that they have highlighted in the past which they say deprive the nation of the much needed peace. These concerns include what they have termed as ritual crimes that are on the increase. In Gabon, ritual crimes are a major source of concern for the Church and society. Ritual crimes consist of practices committed because of belief in witchcraft. Victims of ritual crimes, usually young people or children, are murdered in order to “harvest” their blood or some body organs. It is suspected that these organs are used in "magic" rituals  with the hope of gaining economic benefits for the perpetrators.

Other concerns of the Gabonese Bishops which led them to organise the national Mass for peace include the disquieting belief in fetishism; growing violence in the country; repeated worker-employee conflicts leading to industrial strikes; the rise of corruption; poverty and destitution. In such an environment, the Bishops say, peace cannot prevail. It was for this reason the Bishops were praying for peace in the country.

Speaking at the Mass, Archbishop Basile Mvé Engone the Archbishop of Libreville said, “When we gather here, our differences will not disappear overnight. However by gathering in faith, we demonstrate our mutual respect for each other and our yearning for peace,” he said.

Archbishop Mvé Engone further told the congregation that all Gabonese must learn to welcome each other with respect, acknowledging that the other is a richness, a companion, a brother, a sister, a friend and not an enemy. "Accept the other with his or her ideas and beliefs. This is the starting point for dialogue," the Archbishop continued.

"We are all in any way responsible for each other and for that we will be answerable to God and to future generations,” the Archbishop said.

At the end of the celebration, a message from the Bishops of Gabon on peace was presented to the head of State, Ali Bongo Ondimba, by Bishop Mathieu Madéga, Bishop of the Diocese of Mouila and Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Port-Gentil. Bishop Madéga is the President of the Episcopal Conference of Gabon.

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