The Archbishop of Bangui calls for peace and unity in CAR

The Archbishop of Bangui, in the capital of the Central African Republic (CAR) Most Rev. Dieudonne Nzapalainga has called for peace and unity in the country. He says that dialogue is the only solution to the country’s problems, not war. “I am saying it loud and clear, only dialogue and consultation can help CAR’s citizens sort out the critical situation we are living-in.” Archbishop Nzapalainga said this during celebrations marking the 120th anniversary of the first parish in Oubangui (CAR’s former colonial name). The parish is known as Paroisse Saint Paul des Rapidesâ in the 7th District of Bangui. It was built in 1894 during Bishop Prosper Philippe Augouard's time, when the latter was the Vicar Apostolic of Oubangui.

CAR’s transitional President, Catherine Samba-Panza was also part of the ecumenical celebration organised by Bangui’s Catholic community. Turning to parents at the same event, Archbishop Nzapalainga said that the family is the first school where dialogue is learned. He told parents that they should not be surprised when children take to the streets whatever they have learned in the home. He warned, “If there are divisions within the family, don’t be surprised if your children take those divisions to the street”.  In the same vein, the Archbishop condemned churches that are run along ethnic lines, describing them as clubs.  “When you choose people by race, ethnic group or affinity, you are no longer a church. You fall short of the divine mission, the universal mission given to us by Christ,” he emphasised. 

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