News by email Donate

Suggestions

Haiti-ACN-Main_article_image.jpg
Riots in Haiti after general elections in 2010 © Digital Democracy
World News

Bishop pleads with protesters to stop destroying Haiti

Speaking to Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), Bishop Jean urged restraint after recent protests reportedly left 17 dead and nearly 200 injured.

Demonstrations began across Haiti in July 2018 and reignited again in February and September this year, with members demanding for the resignation of President Jovenal Moïse after accusations of corruption dogged his time in office, which has seen massive inflation and scarcity of goods and other resources.

Bishop Jean has implored protesters to consider the national implications of their ongoing actions.

He said: "Destroying the country is not a solution. It is probably a way to express frustration but it is not a solution. We have to find the way to talk.

"People cannot go out. We are enclosed in our homes. All the roads are blocked. Even in urgent cases ambulances or emergency cars cannot move.

"We don't have fuel. Markets are not functioning. Schools have been closed throughout the country. The situation affects the whole nation."

He went on to ask for the Christian community to pray for the "dying country."

Bishop Jean went on to criticise the government for it's inaction as unemployment rates have risen to 80 per cent following the troubles.

"Despite our repeated pleas for nearly two years, Haiti's politicians remain deaf. In July 2018 we already had a big crisis and the government did nothing.

"But the other political parties should also work on a solution. The worst thing is that the different factions are not open for any dialogue."

In an open letter on 27th September, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Haiti spoke out against the country's leaders, saying: "If the country is on fire, it is because of their irresponsibility."

Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and in 2010 an earthquake killed up to 160,000 people. In 2016, Hurricane Matthew killed 1,000.

ACN has provided emergency aid to Haiti, repaired church buildings and given formation to priests and laity.

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate