Letter
Message from CECAB-Burundi Catholic Bishops' Conference, September 2019
Message from CECAB, September 2019 (in French)
Message from the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Burundi from the General Secretariat, regarding the 2020 elections.
Dear brothers and sisters in faith, and all you beloved who wish good for our country,
1. We, the Bishops of the Catholic Church of Burundi, wish you the peace of Christ. Indeed, Christ is the only King of true peace.
2. As we have learned recently, our country is preparing to experience, next year, an important event in which every Burundian who meets the legal requirements will be called upon to vote, so that new leaders of its various governing bodies may be appointed, in accordance with the Constitution and with respect for the freedom enjoyed by every human being.
3. On such occasions, we customarily address you with this message, so that, in our capacity as Pastors and by virtue of our mission, we may invite you to give due consideration to this period and avoid remaining indifferent, for it is a moment fraught with consequences for the life of the country and its citizens. For us Christians, the electoral period must be prepared through prayer and by participating in the ad hoc catechesis usually provided in the Catholic Church, with the aim of encouraging communities and challenging the conscience of every Christian, and even enlightening anyone who welcomes them with a heart willing to do good. It is under these conditions that we can be the salt and light of the earth in the midst of all our fellow citizens, for then we have a source from which to draw this witness.
4. First, we give thanks to God our Father for the step we have already taken today in building democracy, the foundation of lasting peace and development in our country, even though the road ahead is still long. Indeed, since Burundians signed the Peace and Reconciliation Agreement, committing themselves to breaking with the spirit of division upon which the dictatorial and oppressive regime was founded, we appreciate that many of our fellow citizens are beginning to understand that elections are the only just way to achieve a change of power. In this regard, we also appreciate the fact that Burundians are gradually becoming accustomed to organizing the governance of the country and respecting the governing bodies, allowing them to complete the mandate stipulated by law. Today, too, even if some find it difficult to accept, most Burundians understand that in the event of conflict, dialogue is the preferred path to resolution.
5. We also appreciate the commitment to fulfilling their mission demonstrated by those to whom the country has entrusted the responsibility of organizing the upcoming elections, even seeking to give all those who wish to contribute the opportunity to do so in a meaningful way. We also appreciate the way in which members of political parties are preparing for this, even if there are shortcomings. There are many things for which we thank God and those who have been chosen to serve in this regard those who were created in his image; we cannot mention them all.
6. But, although there are many things we appreciate, we cannot ignore certain issues that are concerning and worrying for many Burundians today.
- In a number of regions, there is a bad spirit of stifling and violently attacking certain political parties and persecuting their members, even though multi-party democracy is recognized in Burundi as affirmed by Article 75 of the Constitution of the Republic of Burundi and even the Government authorizes political parties to act publicly and calls on their members to respect each other in their differences.
- In some regions, acts of crime, including politically motivated murders, are occurring. In most cases, these crimes are perpetrated against those who hold opinions different from those of the government, and in many cases, the justice system is slow to demonstrate that it is punishing the perpetrators according to the law.
- There is also the issue of confusing the ruling party with the administration: a prime example is that in some places, young people affiliated with this party seem to be acting as security forces. Such a practice sows disorder, which risks disrupting the climate conducive to the electoral process.
- Furthermore, we are entering the electoral process at a time when many of our Burundian brothers and sisters are still suffering in exile abroad because they believe the issue that drove them into exile remains unresolved. It would be beneficial and agreeable for us if we entered the elections only after all refugees have returned voluntarily, without coercion.
- There is also the poverty that threatens most Burundians and that can lead some to be corrupted into voting for those who do not have good social projects.
- There is even the politicization of children, as well as other reprehensible acts, which perhaps each of you observes around you and which we will not list. We would therefore like to reassure you and offer you some advice.
7. Dear brothers and sisters in faith, and all you beloved who wish good for our country,
- Even though there are these ambiguous situations we have just pointed out to you, which cause us suffering, and others that you yourselves can observe where you are, we, your pastors, want to reassure you greatly so that none of you will become discouraged. Let us always remember that we Christians, by virtue of our mission, are called to be peacemakers wherever we are and at all times. Indeed, our Lord Jesus Christ tells us this: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). For this reason, we make a fervent appeal to all of you, Christians and those who wish good for this country: do not allow anyone to to lead down a path which is likely to sow disorder or revolt, since this is contrary to the peace process which characterizes the Christian and every man of God and such a path has no other outcome than tears and desolation.
8. Dear Christians involved in various governing bodies of our country,
In the Gospel, Christ Jesus tells us this: “You are the salt of the earth, you are the light of the world” (Mt 5:13, 16). We implore you, Christians with whom we share the faith and who hold positions of responsibility in governing bodies, whether in the National Assembly and the Senate, in the Administration, in the Judiciary, in political parties, or elsewhere, to always bear witness to truth and justice, to be models in the creation and respect of just laws. For example, the law that authorizes the operation of multiple political parties must be respected everywhere. And a good Christian does not think only of himself; he must also offer guidance to others. Indeed, God said to the prophet Ezekiel: “If you do not speak out to warn the wicked to turn from their evil ways and live, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood” (Ezekiel 3:18). Remember your responsibility; please serve Burundi and the Burundian people well. Do not be like those shepherds whom God rebukes in the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel for not caring for the well-being of the sheep entrusted to them (cf. Ezekiel 34:2-11), or like that servant whom the master put in charge of his household and who began to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards (cf. Matthew 24:48-51). Rather, be true role models, leading lives in accordance with truth and justice, helping those with whom you share dignity and responsibility so that no one will politicize children. Furthermore, always be vigilant to ensure that none among you oppress the poor and vulnerable by demanding bribes or inflicting other harm upon them. And even among yourselves, respect one another in your differences and in your respective roles, and serve as examples for others.
9. Dear young Christians,
- Many of you belong to Catholic Action Movements and apostolic groups. We continually offer you advice, and we reiterate it even now: given that you demonstrate love within the various Catholic Action Movements and apostolic groups, demonstrate it also in your daily communities and even within the various political parties, for those of you old enough to join one. Just as the various leaders keep telling you these days, be united in your differences instead of being in conflict, avoid language and attitudes that inspire violence, and consolidate peace. Moreover, by virtue of Baptism, you have become new creations. It is therefore no longer right for you to live like pagans who hate one another and live in conflict. Rather, be apostles of peace and admonish one another.
10. Dear brothers and sisters in faith, dear beloved ones who wish good for our country,
- We do not want to conclude without wishing you lasting peace, founded on truth, justice, freedom, and love. This is how we will prepare for the elections in serenity, without fear, with the prospect of working to ensure that everything that characterizes democracy is realized in our country.
May the Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, always intercede for us.
Written at Bujumbura, on September 13, 2019. Signed: Your Bishops of the Catholic Church of Burundi.