SL: BISHOPS APPEAL FOR CHRISTMAS TRUCE!!!

Bishops appeal for X-max truce

Roman Catholic Bishops of Jaffna, Mannar and Anuradhapura and the Anglican Bishops of Kurunegala and Colombo have made a fervent joint appeal to the Government and the LTTE to observer a truce during the forthcoming festive season so that dividing walls would come down and healing could take place through forgiveness and reconciliation.

The joint call signed by Rt. Rev. Thomas Saundaranayagam (Jaffna), Rt. Revd. Rayappu Joseph (Mannar), Rt. Rev. Norbert Andradi (Anuradhapura), Rt. Rev. Kumara Ilangasinghe (Kurunegala) and Rt. Rev.Duleep de Chikera (Colombo) state:

"At this time, many Christians and even persons of other faiths will be encouraged by the birth of Christ, the Prince of Peace, to review and strengthen relationships. It is consequently expected that family ties will be renewed, communities will gather for fellowship, strangers will be welcomed, the marginalized included and the oppressed set free.

"It is this spirit of Christmas that compels us as Christian leaders of the country to urge the Government and the LTTE to declare a truce to include Christmas and the New Year. There should not be any fighting or movements during this period. We trust that our appeal will be treated with dignity by both sides and urge the Government to take the initiative in setting up this truce. Such and initiative will be seen the world over as a sign of political maturity and generosity.

"Even though temporary, such a truce will bring immense relief to the people in the LTTE controlled areas of the Vanni. It will also enable the Christians of these areas to worship and engage in their religious practices with less anxiety, as well as being some respite to the war weary soldiers and cadres and some peace of mind to their parents and loved ones

"We also earnestly appeal to both parties to seriously consider setting up of safe zones for civilians with the assistance of the ICRC and urge that these arrangements be honoured by all. Religious leaders of all faiths are also available to help facilitate this process. We are of the opinion that this war must stop, but till that happens such an arrangement will demonstrate for humanity and save some innocent lives from further trauma or even death. We can and must assert that it is possible to care for people even in times of war. Nothing should prevent us from our highest priority of enabling life and safeguarding humanity.

"May the Peace of Christ fill our hearts and nation."


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