London, England, Mar 18, 2009 / 02:06 am
As Pope Benedict XVI makes his first visit to Africa, the charity Aid to the Church in Need has highlighted both its own work and the growth of Catholicism on the continent, calling the Church Africa’s “best hope” for peace.
According to a press release from Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), the charity’s project support has grown more in Africa than in most other continents, especially over the past three years, as the charity responds to a “vocations boom” and increasing numbers of Catholics.
The charity says its work is concentrating on Christian education as well as religious and human formation for clergy and laity. ACN believes these efforts are crucial in the quest to break Africa’s “cycle of violence.”
“The Church in Africa – with growing numbers of priests and a more committed laity – is undoubtedly the best hope for a continent that for some people represents nothing but injustice, bloodshed and despair,” said Regina Lynch, ACN projects director.