Vatican City, 3 May 2014 (VIS) – The
contribution of the Catholic Church to national reconciliation and
the reconstruction of civil society, the importance of interreligious
dialogue as a bulwark against an extremism that promotes a false
sense of national unity based on a single religious identity, and the
protection of the family were the central themes of Pope Francis'
address to the bishops of Sri Lanka at the end of their five-yearly
“ad limina” visit.
After many years of conflict and
bloodshed, the war in Sri Lanka has finally come to an end and its
inhabitants now hope to rebuild their lives and communities. The
bishops have dedicated themselves to this task, as may be seen by
their pastoral letter “Towards Reconciliation and Rebuilding of our
Nation” in which, as well as sharing in the tribulations of the
people, they note that much work remains to be done to ensure respect
for human rights and to overcome ethnic tensions. The Pope joins with
them in offering a word of consolation to “all those who lost loved
ones during the war and remain uncertain as to their fate”, and
invites communities, “steadfast in the faith, to remain close to
those who still mourn and suffer the lasting effects of war”.
The Catholic Church in Sri Lanka, which
has both Sinhalese and Tamil among her members, is therefore in a
unique position to be able to promote unity between these groups, and
also knows intimately “the concerns and fears of the people,
particularly how they can be marginalised and distrust one another.
The faithful, knowledgeable of the issues that cause tensions between
the Sinhalese and Tamil, can provide an atmosphere of dialogue that
seeks to construct a more just and equitable society”.
He continues, “Sri Lanka is a country
not only of rich ethnic diversity, but also of various religious
traditions; this highlights the importance of interreligious and
ecumenical dialogue for fostering mutual knowledge and enrichment.
Your efforts in this regard are commendable and bearing fruit. They
allow the Church to collaborate more easily with others in securing a
lasting peace, and ensure the Church’s freedom in pursuing her
proper ends, especially in educating young people in the faith and in
witnessing freely to Christian life. Sri Lanka has also seen,
however, the rise of religious extremists who, in promoting a false
sense of national unity based on a single religious identity, have
created tensions through various acts of intimidation and violence.
Though these tensions may threaten interreligious and ecumenical
relations, the Church in Sri Lanka must remain steadfast in seeking
partners in peace and interlocutors in dialogue”.
Francis comments on the important work
of priests and consecrated persons in transmitting faith and
promoting reconciliation and dialogue, and dedicates the final part
of his discourse to the family, noting that the war in Sri Lanka has
left many families displaced or mourning the death of their members.
“Many have lost their employment and so families have been
separated as spouses leave their homes to find work. There is also
the great challenge and increasing reality of mixed marriages, which
require greater attention to preparation and assistance to couples in
providing for the faith formation of their children. When we are
attentive to our families and their needs, when we understand their
difficulties and hopes, we strengthen the Church's witness and
proclamation of the Gospel. … Your efforts in support of the family
assist not only the Church, but aid Sri Lankan society as a whole,
especially in its efforts for reconciliation and unity”.
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