Bishops call for day of prayer for peace

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Nov 9, 2004 / 22:00 pm

The Bishops Conference of the Dominican Republic has called for a day of prayer to be held November 21 for peace in the country.

The Bishops said they are concerned about the growing wave of violence sweeping the country, and they are calling on society to “use all means at our disposal” to put an end to the situation.

The statement released by the Bishops says the causes of the violence stem from unemployment and poor education, the consumption and trafficking of drugs, immorality, drug and alcohol addiction, addiction to gambling, as well as bad administration of justice and impunity.

The Bishops exhort the faithful “to unite their prayers that God will enlighten the minds of all those who commit violence and will fill their hearts with good will.”

The statement also proposes that the disarmament of citizens continue, that gun licenses be reviewed and those without one not be allowed to purchase weapons.

They also reminded leaders of their responsibility to ensure the safety of society and said “it would be deplorable” that for political reasons a few individuals would seek to destabilize the country by “promoting violence.”

The Bishops added that increasing police involvement in robbery and crime was “scandalous.”  “We need a police force that is conscious of the importance of its job,” because it should have the “complete trust and respect of the populace.”