(ANS - Accra) - After the meeting of its Standing Committee in Accra, Ghana, from 16 to 20 November, the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar issued a statement: "We strongly condemn the terrorist attacks in Nigeria, Kenya, Libya, Burkina Faso, Mali, Lebanon, France and other parts of the world, which have caused numerous innocent victims and brought despair and pain to many families and their countries."

The African bishops condemned "all acts of terrorism anywhere in the world" and asked "their perpetrators and their supporters to stop."  They then launched an appeal for peace in Africa: "We are united with all those who work for peace and reconciliation in the troubled areas of Africa and the world, especially in Burundi, South Sudan, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, Kenya, Libya and other parts of the North African countries. We appeal in the name of God to all the conflicting parties in these areas to lay down their arms and embrace the path of dialogue and peace for the sake of posterity. "

"As representatives of the Church in Africa,  we extend a warm welcome to the Holy Father, Pope Francis, for his first visit to our continent"; and, in conclusion, we hope that this visit will serve "to strengthen the faith of the members of our Church, the Family of God, and confirm us in our deep Christian ​​and African values

Published 24/11/2015