In a statement on the state of the nation as elections approach, Zambia’s bishops said: “The political culture that persistently clouds our election does not depict a maturing democracy and maturing democrats. Zambian politicians still suffer from a gross hangover of a one-party State mentality where the essence of political competition was seen as the quest to annihilate opponents completely and at all cost.
“Zambia is paying a great price through political hooliganism, and apparently the leadership in all our political parties has failed to uproot political violence. In some cases they actually seem to encourage and fan it by inflammatory speeches. We also don’t see perpetrators of violence in political parties punished by their own leadership. Police must sternly but impartially apply the law to quell violence.
“We appeal for a new political spirit and a democratic culture among our political leaders and members. Let us make 2016 different in terms of providing a better and tolerant political environment.”
Bishops resist abortion drive over Zika virus
Bishops in Latin American countries are strongly reacting against a pro-abortion drive being made in their countries as a response to the spread of the Zika virus. Several government officials are advising women to avoid pregnancy or abort unborn children affected by the virus.
The bishops of Brazil said this attitude shows “a total lack of respect for the gift of life”. They said all efforts should be made to wipe out the mosquito that carries the Zika virus, rather than the children afflicted with microcephaly.
Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga of Honduras said it is wrong ever to speak of ‘therapeutic abortion’ as a solution to a medical problem. “Therapeutic abortion doesn’t exist,” he said. “Therapeutic means curing, and abortion cures nothing.”
IS campaign against Christians is ‘genocide’
The European Parliament has approved a resolution that classifies Islamic State’s campaign against Christians and Yazidis as ‘crimes against humanity’, as defined by the International Criminal Court.
The reaction of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (Comece) was quick and very positive.
In a statement, Comece welcomed the European Parliament’s use of the word ‘genocide’ in condemning these atrocities.
“We warmly welcome this resolution of the European Parliament as a significant step forward in facilitating measures to prevent the ongoing incipient genocide against Christians, Yazidis and other ethnic and religious minorities and communities across the Middle East,” said Comece general secretary Fr Patrick Daly.
Pope: Pray for political solution to Syria crisis
During his Angelus address last Sunday, Pope Francis said: “I follow with deep concern the dramatic fate of civilian populations involved in heavy fighting in Syria and forced to leave everything behind to escape the horrors of war.
“I hope that, with generous solidarity, they are lent the necessary help to ensure their survival and dignity, and I appeal to the international community to not save any effort to urgently bring the parties to the negotiating table.
“Only a political solution of the conflict will be able to guarantee a future of reconciliation and peace in that beloved and martyred country, for which I invite you to pray a lot.”
(Compiled by Fr Joe Borg)