AFRICA : GABON : BISHOPS DENOUNCE EVILS IN SCHOOLS

Agenzia Fides REPORT - The Episcopal Conference of Gabon has denounced some serious practices found in the Catholic schools of the capital, Libreville. During a press conference that was held on July 2, presided by Mgr. Patrick Nguéma Edou, Apostolic Vicar of Libreville, the dismantling, within Catholic schools was announced, of networks committed to prostitution, exploitation of prostitution, homosexuality, drug trafficking and esoteric practices, involving boys and girls aged 14 to 18 years. The press conference was also attended by sister Sidonie Oyembo, Superior of the Congrégation de l'Immaculée de Castres au Gabon (whose mission is education, particularly girls), the head of the Coordination of associations of parents of Catholic schools, Mrs. Solange Bémengué, in addition to the Minister of Family and Social Affairs, a representative of UNICEF and the world of education and justice.
Mgr. Patrick Nguéma Edou reiterated that the mission of Catholic teaching is to offer quality education enlightened by the values of the Church. This is why the Apostolic Vicar of Libreville said that the Church refuses to remain silent in the face of these facts. Mrs. Bémengué accused "those adults, in the higher ranks of public and private administration, who are seriously involved in leading the children astray. We condemn with all our strength all adult criminals, pimps, witch doctors, drug dealers, rapists, that not only rot their homes, but spread these abominations into other families." (L.M.)

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