Religious Leaders Wade Into Unrest In France
Afimag.com –
France’s Catholic Bishops are among other religious leaders that have recently responded to the ongoing turmoil in the country.
Catholic Church officials who had also issued a prayer for peace on July 01, 2023, called for dialogue, and normalcy in the country.
Recall that riots flared by the fatal police shooting of a 17-year-old of North African origin named Nahel M. during a traffic stop in Nanterre, a suburb of Paris, have led to days of looting, attacks on public buildings, and destructive mob violence in several cities.
according to the BBC, 45,000 officers have been redeployed across the country over the past three nights.
More than 150 people were arrested Sunday night, down from more than 700 the night before. The full extent of the destruction and the number of injured is still unknown.
In a joint statement, religious leaders in France expressed their sorrow over the death and violence. At the same time, called for a return to peace. “We affirm with one voice that violence is never the right way.”
The leaders lamented the attacks on schools, businesses, city halls, and transportation, noting that the residents, families, and children of these neighborhoods are the first to suffer.
The statement was signed by Archbishop Éric de Moulins-Beaufort of Reims, president of the French Bishops’ Conference.
Other signatories include leaders of the Conference of Religious Leaders of France: Chems-Eddine Hafiz, rector of the Grand Mosque of Paris; Grand Rabbi Haïm Korsia, chief rabbi of France; Mohammed Moussaoui, president of the French Islamic Council; Bishop Demetrios Ploumios, president of the Assembly of Orthodox Bishops of France; Pastor Christian Krieger, president of the Protestant Federation of France; and Antony Boussemart, president of the Buddhist Union of France.
In the face of attacks on police and authorities, the signatories called for the strengthening of “necessary trust” between sectors of the population and law enforcement agencies. They encouraged politicians to work together responsibly to restore justice and peace.
“Today more than ever, may all believers be servants of peace and the common good. We are all available to contribute to this,” the statement concluded.
The French bishops have also proposed a prayer for the restoration of peace in the country, which was made available to parishes and Catholic communities in France.