Proroguing Parliament puts Guyana in “unchartered territory” – Catholic Bishop

[www.inewsguyana.com] – Roman Catholic Bishop, Francis Alleyne has joined the many others in denouncing President Donald Ramotar’s decision to prorogue the 10^th Parliament.

In a statement issued last evening through Gino Persaud of Transparency Institute, the Bishop noted that the decision by the President has put Guyana into “uncharted territory.”

“I suggest that Guyana – like my Church – needs both institutional and relational strengthening. We must find new ways of relating to each other, and better structures to support and encourage those improved relations. I believe that reconciliation and trust are critical to the process of restoring and building the nation,” his statement noted.

Bishop Alleyne revealed that he is reconstituting the Justice and Peace Commission of the Catholic Church, which has a critical role to play in promoting the social teachings of the Church and providing leadership and inspiration to the Faithful.

“There will be a process of engagement with parishes to pray, reflect, discuss, and discern the urgings of the Holy Spirit as relates to justice and peace in Guyana. I have invited two members of the Commission, Gino Persaud and Lawrence Lachmansingh, to lead this process.

“I pray that these two initiatives will lead to increased Catholic conviction and action that would bring all Guyanese to the full freedom as children of God.”

He called on Guyanese and their leaders to ensure that they navigate these uncertain times peacefully, honestly and respectfully with a view to the earliest resumption of parliamentary democracy.

 “Finally, this crisis, this time of opportunity, requires all Guyana to join hands and find solutions to both the immediate impasse and the longer-term causes that led to it. I commit my support for initiatives that bring people together in common cause for our beloved country.”