DJIBOUTI: The Challenge of Evangelization in a Muslim Dominated Country
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| Msgr. Giorgio Bertin Bishop of Djibouti and Apostolic Administrator of Mogadishu Somalia |
“In
Djibouti the Church must be quiet, it cannot be the voice of the voiceless, any
attempts to speak out publicly can lead a suspension of your visa,” that was
Rt. Rev. Giorgio Bertin, O.F.M. Bishop of Djibouti and Apostolic Administrator
of Archdiocese of Mogadishu Somalia describing the situation about Djibouti to
AMECEA Online News . He however added that they can only only voice their concern to the relevant authorities from time to time.
Bishop
Bertin who has lived in Djibouti since May 2001 when he was appointed a Bishop describes
the situation in the country as stable. “There is a functioning state government
which provides security and the government, the authorities and the people have
a good esteem of the Church,” he said.
Bertin who has lived in Djibouti since May 2001 when he was appointed a Bishop describes
the situation in the country as stable. “There is a functioning state government
which provides security and the government, the authorities and the people have
a good esteem of the Church,” he said.
However, authorities and some members of the community are sensitive to criticism and
the church has to strike a middle ground to ensure it continues serving in the
country where there are only 6% Christians in a predominantly Muslim County.
the church has to strike a middle ground to ensure it continues serving in the
country where there are only 6% Christians in a predominantly Muslim County.
The reputation of the Church comes from the
eleven schools and several humanitarian projects it runs throughout the
country under Caritas Djibouti. “Even the President was in one of our schools
and they appreciated our efforts to an extent that the government pays teachers
for at least four of our schools,” he said.
eleven schools and several humanitarian projects it runs throughout the
country under Caritas Djibouti. “Even the President was in one of our schools
and they appreciated our efforts to an extent that the government pays teachers
for at least four of our schools,” he said.
The Bishop added that there are no religious vocations in Djibouti, and the country
has less than 5000 Catholics served by four priests from USA, Venezuela, New Zealand and Cameroun.
has less than 5000 Catholics served by four priests from USA, Venezuela, New Zealand and Cameroun.
Djibouti
is in the Eastern Central Africa. The capital city is Djibouti and the whole
country which is 22,980 km² has a population of 466,900 of which the Muslim
community constitute 94% and Christian 6%. The languages include French (official),
Arabic (official), Somali and Afar.
is in the Eastern Central Africa. The capital city is Djibouti and the whole
country which is 22,980 km² has a population of 466,900 of which the Muslim
community constitute 94% and Christian 6%. The languages include French (official),
Arabic (official), Somali and Afar.
By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Social
Communications
Communications
