Catholic leaders praise missioners who stay in Central African Republic

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Archbishop Dieudonne Nzapalainga of Bangui, Central African Republic, right, walks with Imam Oumar Kobine Layama, center, in Bangui after a meeting of religious representatives, Bangui residents and African and French peacekeeping forces Feb. 10. (CNS/Reuters/Luc Gnago)

by Jonathan Luxmoore , Catholic News Service | Feb. 20, 2014

Oxford, England -- Catholic leaders in the Central African Republic praised the courage of missionary priests and nuns who remained in the country during the current conflict, despite offers of evacuation.

"That most have remained here is the greatest act of witness our church has given," said Bishop Nestor-Desire Nongo Aziagbia of Bossangoa, Central African Republic.

"Even when life is insecure, people still look to their priests and religious as a sign of hope and to Catholic missions as places of refuge. This makes their continued presence very important," he told Catholic News Service in a telephone interview Thursday.

The bishop said most missionaries and foreign religious order members had defied dangers and remained in the Central African Republic, where French and African forces are attempting to restore order after more than a year of fighting.

http://ncronline.org/news/global/catholic-leaders-praise-missioners-who-stay-central-african-republic