WASHINGTON (March 25, 1998) -- Archbishop Theodore E. McCarrick, Chairman of the Committee on International Policy, United States Catholic Conference, and Dr. Joan B. Campbell, General Secretary of the National Council of Churches, have issued a joint statement on the situation in Nigeria.

The statement expressed solidarity with the people of Nigeria, "particularly her poor, her disenfranchised and her suffering."

"We are deeply saddened by Nigeria's current condition, which has continued to worsen as a result of the annulled federal elections of June 1993," the statement said.

"It is our fervent prayer that the recent visit to Nigeria by His Holiness Pope John Paul II will help to bring about reconciliation with justice, the immediate release of political prisoners, and the restoration of democracy. Additionally, we hope that the United States government will stand in solidarity with the Nigerian people as they seek to re-claim their human rights through democratic elections."

Text of the joint statement by Archbishop McCarrick and Dr. Campbell.

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