Echoing the statement we made as members of the Council of Swaziland Churches, the Catholic Church calls once again for calm and dialogue.
As I have stated in the past, fighting fire with fire will bring our country to ashes. The restoration of calm should not make us think that the reasons behind the unrest have been addressed. An all inclusive and open dialogue without excluding any stakeholder is the only possible way forward.
As Pope Francis wrote in ‘Fratelli Tutti’ (All brothers and sisters): “Authentic social dialogue involves the ability to respect the other’s point of view and to admit that it may include legitimate convictions and concerns.” (Fratelli tutti, 203)
We also appeal for the restoration of the internet services in the country without which we depend on the information being offered by foreign media and not by our own people. It will also allow Churches, NGO’s, political organisations and other bodies to share their own calls for calm and dialogue. The Churches will also be able to provide essential spiritual support in this time of crisis.
We continue to pray to the Father in Jesus’ name that the Holy Spirit pour on all of us the gift of wisdom to know God’s will and the gift of courage to take the necessary steps to achieve it.
+ José Luis Ponce de León IMC
Bishop of Manzini
02 July 2021
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