Bishops call for dialogue and peace in Bafatá
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on O Democrata
Bishops from Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, Senegal and Mauritania reaffirmed their solidarity with the people of Guinea-Bissau over social and institutional challenges. Meeting in Bafatá on 11 November, they called for dialogue, mutual listening and better communication between Catholic communities, according to O Democrata.
Catholic bishops from Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, Senegal and Mauritania reaffirmed their support for the people of Guinea-Bissau in Bafatá on Wednesday and called for cooperation, mutual listening and dialogue between communities. The message was delivered by Dom Ildo Fortes, bishop of Mindelo in Cape Verde, on behalf of the presidency of the Episcopal Conference, during the opening of an ordinary session at the diocese of Bafatá, reports O Democrata.
Dom Vítor Luís Quematcha, apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Bafatá and recently appointed bishop of Bissau, called on Church members to strengthen communication and joint work. More than ten Catholic leaders are taking part in the meeting, devoted to pastoral cooperation and peaceful coexistence between communities and religious denominations.
The work of the Episcopal Conference is due to end on Friday 13 November in Bafatá, with the presentation of recommendations and conclusions. Participants will then travel to Bissau on 15 November for the opening of the Jubilee Year of the Diocese of Bissau and the new bishop’s assumption of office.
The meeting comes amid political tensions in Guinea-Bissau, following the dialogue initiated by ECOWAS with political actors on 27 October. It also follows President Umaro Sissoco Embaló’s call on 7 November for his supporters to resume their political activities.
