Genocide: Catholic Church should excommunicate culpable priests

Editor, RE: “CNLG, survivors welcome Rwanda Vatican talks” (The New Times, March 21). This acknowledgment by the Pope is a step forward in revamping relations with the Holy See; however, it would be better if the Church can help arrest its very own who participated in the Genocide against the Tutsi and those who continue to deny the same genocide they participated in. Indeed, they betrayed both humanity and their evangelical mission as priests, nuns, missionaries. Let’s hope that the Catholic Church is planning for this, otherwise it will remain disfigured. Bemba *********************** What the Church should do is excommunicate and distance itself from such clerics, then it would be up to judicial systems to know what to do. I know the Church has sort of looked the other way and allowed those priests to work in different parishes, but has there been a political will in those countries to arrest them? Would France prosecute Munyeshyaka if he’s excommunicated? I believe it will be hard for the Church to shield criminals if there is a political will to prosecute them. But having said that, the Holy See should at least do their part and excommunicate these priests. Ed

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Genocide: Catholic Church should excommunicate culpable priests