Letter
Letter of Solidarity to Archbishop Job of Nigeria Sent in Wake of the Christmas Eve Bombings of Churches and Subsequent Reprisal Attacks, January 20, 2011
January 20, 2011
Most Reverend Felix Alba Job
President, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria
Plot 459 Cadastral Zone B2,
Southern Parkway, Durumi 1,
P.O. Box 6523, Abuja
Nigeria
Sent Via Fax
Dear Archbishop Job:
As Chairman of the Committee on International Justice and Peace of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, I wish to express deep sadness and sincere condolences in the wake of the bombings that occurred on Christmas Eve in the city of Jos, the attacks on churches in Maidugari and still others on New Year’s Eve in Abuja. I am also saddened by the reprisal attacks that occurred in various parts of the country. I make my own the words of our Holy Father, “I want to express my heartfelt sorrow for the victims of these absurd acts of violence and once more repeat an appeal to abandon the path of hate and seek instead peaceful solutions to conflict….”
During my pastoral visit to Nigeria this summer I had the opportunity to visit Jos and meet with Archbishop Kaigama and his diocesan staff. We learned of the past incidents of violence, but we also had the chance to talk with men and women, Catholic, Christian, and Muslim, who bravely stood against the violence and actively worked to build reconciliation between Muslims and Christians. It is tragic that despite their best efforts and the work of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria the violence continues.
We join with the bishops and people of Nigeria in condemning these acts against human life and dignity. We stand with those who lost loved ones and property in the bombings and pray that those responsible for the violence are brought swiftly to justice.
Please be assured of our prayers as you continue your work to build reconciliation and peace in Nigeria. May you find encouragement in the God’s Word, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the Children of God.”
Fraternally yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Howard J. Hubbard
Bishop of Albany
Chairman, Committee on International Justice and Peace