Let’s Cultivate “justice, peace, the very dignity of the human person”: Archbishop to Angola’s Justice, Peace Officials

“We are the builders of reconciliation and peace, thus contributing to Angolans finding themselves again in a common destiny and our country finally knowing the normal prosperity crippled by each one of us,” he further said during the July 17-19 event.

Archbishop Mbilingi challenged the CCJP officials to consider starting anew, saying, “We need to start again; we need to straighten the paths that will lead our country to achieve social justice and cement peace, in a truly reconciling and democratic environment.”

The Angolan-born member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (CSSp./Holy Ghost Fathers/Spiritans) went on to highlight some challenges the people of God in Angola are grappling, which he said need to be addressed. 

“In recent times, there has been a dramatic increase in the mortality rate of children and adults, victims of diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, and others, mainly due to neglect,” Archbishop Mbilingi lamented. 

“Our leaders are insensitive to suffering, death, hunger, and corruption,” he further lamented during the opening of the three-day event organized under the theme, “With the Strength of the Gospel, Let's Transform the World.”

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Archbishop Mbilingi further lamented that the “prices of the basic commodities are skyrocketing and no one can stop them. Incredibly, when one product decreases, the other doubles and we remain insensitive.”

“In the light of the Gospel and the strength of love,” he said, it might be possible to reverse the situation.

“We believe that the Gospel is capable of transcending boundaries, challenges, and difficulties to bring people together as one,” the 66-year-old Catholic Church leader, who previously served as President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) said.

He underscored the need for open and inclusive debates in the search for justice and the common good. 

“Our country needs artisans of peace who are open to a sincere dialogue without exclusions and manipulation, seeking only the truth above ideologies, differences of opinion, and aiming for the common good,” Archbishop Mbilingi said.