“Violence cannot be our banner”: Catholic Bishops in Angola Urge Dialogue after Political Clashes

On August 10, CEAST’s Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace and Integrity of Creation warned that renewed confrontations could revive old grievances and lead to further violence.

“The current tension requires prudence, responsibility and, above all, dialogue among political and social actors,” the Commission said in a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Fr. Celestino Epalanga.

Archbishop Imbamba also called on Angola’s National Assembly to model respectful political engagement and peaceful coexistence among representatives of different political parties.

“Dialogue must become a permanent practice in building peace and national reconciliation,” the CEAST President said.

He underscored the responsibility of national institutions to create spaces where citizens holding different political convictions can interact and build relationships founded on mutual respect.

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Archbishop Imbamba said the Catholic Church would continue working to promote reconciliation and encourage a change in attitudes among Angolans.

“We will work; we will continue our social intervention so that we can truly touch people’s consciences,” he said.

As part of the initiative, the Catholic Archbishop announced plans to distribute to the headquarters of Angola’s political parties a book produced following the Congress on Reconciliation. 

He said the publication is intended to provide material for reflection and encourage political parties to participate more actively in national reconciliation.

“May we all become involved in this process of transforming our society, which is urgent,” said Archbishop Imbamba, who began his Episcopal Ministry in January 2009 as Bishop of Dundo Diocese.

He added, “Political differences should contribute to the common good and to the building of Angola and not fuel confrontations.”