austraLasia 1116

East Timor unrest of deep concern to Salesians

DILI: 27th April 2005 --  Some International news agencies have reported in general terms on the impasse between Church and Government that has resulted in street demonstrations in East Timor's capital, Dili with as many as 5,000 people on the streets .  The impasse concerns a change to the law that makes the teaching of religion in East Timor's public schools optional.

     The Salesians are strongly involved in education in the fledgling nation, though they do not administer any of the 32 public schools reported to be affected.  Nevertheless they understand the strong feelings of the people, and the implications of such legislation. 

     The Salesians also stand solidly behind their bishops over the religion-in-school issue, but are wary too of elements which could have other aims in the dispute, especially the clear and present danger of destabilisation of a young democracy. 

    The two Bishops of the country, Bishop Ricardo da Silva of Dili and Bishop do Nascimento of Bacau, recently penned a joint pastoral letter concerning the law, arguing strongly for the retention of compulsory religious education in a country where the vast majority of the population is Catholic. 

    The former Bishop of Dili, Bishop Belo, now in Maputo, Mozambique, is reported by the Portuguese agency Lusa yesterday to have called on the Government to withdraw its legislation while urging the Bishops to continue efforts to dialogue.

    As austraLasia goes to press, the Salesian Superior of the Vice Province, Fr Andres Calleja, has asked Salesians to remain at their post in the schools.  The Conference of Religious likewise urges its members against joining those on the streets in protest.

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