USCCB - (SDWP) - Statement of the Religious Conference in Haiti

After the recent national events that have taken place here, we religious of Haiti, in accord with His Holiness Pope John Paul II who daily proclaims the respect of human rights, the rights of the poor world?wide, we in turn want to proclaim the human rights in our country of our brothers and sisters in exile or in prison. If their acts were subversive or illicit, then they could be objectively accused and condemned by the laws of the country with the right to a fair trial which should not be denied them.

The patriotism of these citizens, their unequivocal concern for the common good, and their solidarity with their unfortunate brothers like hardworking peasants, boat people and the like, made them speak out what the majority was thinking.

We are not a political party. We have no power except our faith in Christ Jesus, our desire to love everyone effectively, and our hope in a better future for all inhabitants of Haiti.

Our intention is not to meddle in the affairs of the State. Nevertheless we ask the official authorities during this time of Advent and Christmas, which is a time of hope, peace and love, to reconsider the cases of deportation and imprisonment of recent police raids. What we seek is the security of the persons concerted, the peace of mind of their families, and peace in the country which all will benefit.

This attempt of solidarity with our brothers is prompted by our desire to echo Pope John Paul II's recent statement in Brazil: “When the fundamental rights of men are threatened we must raise our voices. Because our mission is to spread the Gospel, when man is held in contempt of his very dignity, when this humiliation is maintained and prolonged, the Church will denounce it. This is part of her prophetic mission."

The Church cannot remain silent for her duty is to make life more human and people more conscious so that all the values of their lives really correspond to true human dignity.

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