The Church that Christ wanted is a community open to all, without distinction and without opposition for reasons of race, ethnicity or culture. Christ's disciples cannot accept divisions and exclusions in the very heart of their community. The Church's mission is to preserve and promote the rights and responsibilities of each human person, as of each family, refusing customs and practices which go against them. It is a duty for the Church to affirm that marriage presupposes love and an indissoluble commitment. Once again, I appeal forcefully for a rapid return to peace.
Nothing is resolved through violence.
It is urgent to end this tragedy, these 'manhunts,' which in the capital and elsewhere dishonor the instigators. This is still urgent and necessary. Nonetheless, I have remembered you every day in my prayers. When discrimination and injustice afflict you, you know how to persevere in the faith and in communion with the Church, Body of Christ. I entrust you to the intercession of Blessed Josephine Bakhita and of Blessed Daniel Comboni, the patron saints of your communities.