Nairobi, Kenya, Jan 8, 2008 / 06:12 am
The Kenya Episcopal Conference denounced the many acts of political violence after the reaction to disputed results and allegations of voting fraud in the national election. The bishops joined the Pope in praying for peace in the country.
“We wish to make a passionate appeal to all Kenyans, men and women, old and youth, from all the political parties, and from all walks of life, to refrain from violence and from the senseless killing of our brothers and sisters!” the letter said.
The letter was signed by John Cardinal Njue, who was elevated to the cardinalate in November. He was joined by two other archbishops and 21 bishops.
Emphasizing the sanctity of life and the love of neighbor, the bishops said, “We have lived together for all these years as brothers and sisters. There is therefore no reason for us to raise our hand against our neighbor because he or she belongs to a different ethnic group or political affiliation. Life is Sacred! We all belong to one family of God.”