NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct. 25, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Kenyan bishops, led by Cardinal-designate John Njue, have reiterated an appeal for peace in their country ahead of elections expected to take place in December.
The bishops issued a statement today, signed by Cardinal-designate Njue, archbishop of Nairobi and chairman of the Kenyan episcopal conference, titled "Love God and Love Your Neighbor: Elections at Our Doorstep." The statement, which doesn't favor a particular candidate, mentioned five "prevailing issues" that the bishops encourage voters to avoid and consider.
This week Kenya's President Mwai Kibaki dissolved Parliament in accordance with the country's constitution that stipulates that all seats of the legislative body must be vacant before the Electoral Commission can call an election.
"We must resist and reject incitement on ethnic lines. We must foster a unified nation," said Cardinal-designate Njue in his letter.
Other suggestions included avoiding "polarization on religious lines, especially using religion as a political tool; irresponsible utterances stirring up hatred toward specific candidates; the upsurge of election-related violence, not only toward women candidates, but in general in the campaign meetings."
"The agenda of some leaders that is not life-friendly, and not family-friendly. The defense of life and the protection of the family unit is paramount, and this is not negotiable," the statement said.
Cardinal-designate Njue contended that candidates should "stress their agenda and mind with regard to the stalled process of the new constitution for our country."
Noting "the Catholic Church has members in almost all political parties of Kenya," the bishops affirmed they "have no preferred candidates, but rather our duty is to emphasize the moral aspects of political and social life."
"We yet again wish to appeal to each and every Kenyan, without exception to maintain and safeguard peace, calm and nonviolence," the bishops wrote. "All of us, from whatever part of the country we come from, or whatever political views we hold, are children of God! We are placed on this earth to know, love and serve him and our neighbor."
ZE07102503 - 2007-10-25