In his address, Fr. Konteh shared broadly on the Catholic Church’s pivotal role in promoting peace and reconciliation in Sierra Leone following the West African country’s 11-year civil war that ended in 2002.
“As we gather here today, I am reminded of the immense significance of peace in our lives, especially in the context of Sierra Leone and Africa as a whole,” the member of the Clergy of Sierra Leone’s Freetown Archdiocese said.
He added, “Sierra Leone, like many African nations, has endured its fair share of conflict and instability. The scars of a brutal civil war that lasted from 1991 to 2002 are still fresh in our memories. The effects of that conflict were devastating, resulting in the loss of countless lives, displacement of people, and the destruction of infrastructure. It is against this backdrop that the role of the Catholic Church as agents of peace becomes all the more crucial.”
He noted that throughout history, the Catholic Church in the West African country had stood as a beacon of hope, advocating for peace, justice, and reconciliation.
“The Church’s teachings emphasize the sanctity of human life, the dignity of every person, and the pursuit of justice. These principles form the foundation for a peaceful society,” Fr. Konteh said, adding that in Sierra Leone, the Catholic Church has played a pivotal role in promoting peace and healing wounds inflicted by violent conflict.
In West Africa, Sierra Leone is notably a peaceful country compared with her neighbors that are wrecked by religious-based violence.
In his address at the event in Italy, Fr. Konteh attributed the peaceful coexistence in his native country that is only 22 percent Christian and 77 percent Muslim to an existing strong platform for interreligious dialogue and cooperation.
He noted that the Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone (IRCSL) is a testament to the Church’s dedication to fostering unity among different religious groups.
The award-winning Catholic Priest said that by bringing together leaders from various faith traditions, the Church in Sierra Leone had facilitated dialogue, built trust, and promoted understanding among communities. “This collaboration has been instrumental in mitigating religious tensions and contributing to the overall peace and stability of our nation,” he said.
He added that through Caritas Freetown’s Justice and Peace Commission, the Church in Sierra Leone had also actively engaged in mediating conflicts and promoting reconciliation.
Source link : https://www.aciafrica.org/news/9495/church-must-find-ways-to-address-new-forms-of-violence-catholic-priest-in-sierra-leone
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Publish date : 2023-11-01 03:00:00
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