World Council of Churches Calls on Haitians to Build New Nation

General Secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Rev Dr Samuel Kobia told church leaders and members during an ecumenical service at the Methodist Church of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Sunday that Haitians should work together to build a new and alternative nation.

Rev Kobia said the challenge facing Haiti was one of building reconciliation and dignity from “dislocated communities” and fear. “We are called to work to transform Haiti ... from a violent to a peaceful state,” he said.

Haiti’s interim president Boniface Alexandre was promised by Kobia in a meeting last week that Haiti’s “serious problems” would be on the agenda of the Council’s forthcoming assembly in Porto Alegre, Brazil, in February 2006.

Also present at the meeting was the Protestant Federation of Haiti (FPH) general secretary Mr Édouard Paultre, among others. The FPH is an associate council of the WCC.

Kobia also said that WCC member churches would be consulted on how best they and the Council can support Haiti’s transition to democracy and bring an end to the country’s long history of violence and poverty.

Kobia responded to the president’s invitation to the WCC to help monitor the presidential elections scheduled for 7 February 2006 saying, “We are aware of your efforts and are ready to offer our assistance.”

As part of his visit to Haiti, General Secretary Kobia has also met with representatives of Haiti’s churches and non-governmental organisations to discuss the WCC’s Decade to Overcome Violence 2001–2010: Churches seeking reconciliation and peace.

Kobia also visited a church-related social project in Port-au-Prince, as well as meeting with church leaders and civil society representatives to discuss the WCC, the 9th Assembly, and ecumenical solidarity with Haiti.