CV NEWS FEED // The Catholic Bishops of the Episcopal Conference of Angola and Sao Tome (CEAST) have issued a pastoral letter expressing their concern over religious freedom restrictions in certain areas of Angola.
Vatican News reported that the bishops condemned authorities and political figures for holding “political party activities and events” on days of worship and requiring Christians to attend, thus infringing on their religious freedom rights.
According to ACI Africa, the letter states that “This practice occurs more frequently in municipalities, districts or remote areas where the pressure from the authorities and the fear of immediate or future rejection is greater.”
The bishops added that they “strongly disapprove of these acts because they violate the Constitution, violate human rights, hurt common sense and are extemporaneous.”
The bishops called for a return to celebrating Sunday as a day of worship and asked civil authorities to protect the “fundamental rights” of Angolan citizens to practice Christianity.
