The Voice of the suffering and persecuted​

There was widespread criticism of police behavior leading up to the men’s arrests. Church leaders claimed police had gone “house to house aiming to arrest as many Christians as possible,” while investigating the lynching of the two Muslim men.

"Besides the economic issues, I believe that Cuba’s primary problem is the collapse of the family. The father figure has ceased to exist."

"Even if the situation is not very clear, we see the importance of a sign of hope. ACN is determined to help the Christians to stay. Our task is to stand by the people who would like to come back.”

"We are tired of hearing ... has been ‘technically defeated,’ even when they still attack with impunity … The failure to protect innocent people from relentless attacks is evil. The lack of prosecution of terrorists is evil.”

She becomes more animated, and her previously quiet voice becomes more confident and assured: “Throughout my imprisonment I held the hand of Christ. It is thanks to him that I managed to stay strong. So don’t be afraid!”

"The terrorists’ next target will be the places where Christians and Muslims live alongside one another. In Burkina Faso and in Nigeria the equilibrium that has existed hitherto is now under threat. In the next five years, these African states will continue to need the support of the West if they are to avoid catastrophe."

“Initially, other (Hindu) prisoners treated us as murderers and they were hostile to us. It was a hopeless situation. When the mind was so distressed, prayer was the only solace for us. Besides our common prayers, I would start every day in prayer and end with prayer."

"Work for peace is carried out through encounters, but also by implementing joint projects that require groups to work together to achieve a mutual goal. This way, they learn to get along with one another again."

There are no official statistics, but the bishop is certain that at least 500 have been killed since late October 2017, when the attacks on villages, administrative centers and army personnel began. The attackers have left decapitated bodies behind to sow terror.

Regarding the future of his country, the archbishop of Merida added that "we want a way out of this situation that is peaceful and democratic, without the language of war. We all need each other. We must do something that goes beyond political beliefs and ideologies."