Kenyan cardinal appeals to Catholics to reconcile during Lent

Published: 2008-02-18

NAIROBI, Kenya (CNS) -- A Kenyan cardinal has appealed to Kenyans to reconcile with each other during Lent. In a pastoral letter released Feb. 17, Cardinal John Njue of Nairobi, president of the Kenya Episcopal Conference, called on Catholics "to take an extra step forward to reflect deeply on the word of God, our heritage, and apply it to the current situation so that the mystery of salvation we are to experience in these 40 days may assist us to be reconciled with God and with one another." Noting the bloodshed, destruction of property and internal displacement since a contested election in late December, Cardinal Njue reminded Christians of their responsibility and obligation to actively participate in the reconciliation and healing process. "To bring about the kingdom of God here on earth, we need to honestly question ourselves if this crisis of killing innocent lives and the burning and destruction of property are compatible with Christian life," said the cardinal. "I'm convinced that you will agree with me they are not."

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