Madagascar’s political crisis of 2009 severely impacted national unity and church cohesion. Approximately 45 percent of the population is Christian, and church leaders emphasize the need for reconciliation and justice to achieve peace. Rev. Lala Rasendrahasina highlights the church’s active involvement in mediating political tensions and promoting moral values, supported by various global church organizations.
Madagascar’s image suffered greatly due to the political crisis of 2009, which created a rift within the nation and jeopardized the unity of its churches. Nearly 45 percent of Madagascar’s population is Christian, with Protestant and Catholic communities being nearly equal in size. Church leaders assert that acknowledging past wrongs and pursuing reconciliation and justice is essential for achieving peace.
During this crisis, the churches have actively sought solutions, as noted by Rev. Lala Rasendrahasina, the president of the Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar. Rev. Rasendrahasina experienced violence at the hands of the military following the power transition from former President Marc Ravalomanana in 2009. He emphasized, “The church has never ceased to find a way to help the nation out of this crisis and to maintain peace.” He also remarked on the mixed success of the church’s mediations among politicians.
The involvement of churches in Madagascar reflects a broader global engagement in issues of political turmoil and a collective desire for peace. This engagement will be explored at the WCC-sponsored International Ecumenical Peace Convocation in May 2011 in Jamaica. Historically, the intersection of politics and religion has been complex for the church in Madagascar, with the Council of Christian Churches (FFKM) undertaking commendable initiatives aimed at resolving the ongoing crisis.
A recent national council-organized seminar on peace and reconciliation aimed to foster collaboration among all Malagasy citizens, promoting forgiveness as a means to restore peace. This effort persists, despite ongoing “persecutions” resulting from the recent political violence. Nevertheless, churches in Madagascar have found solidarity in their peace efforts through support from organizations such as the All Africa Conference of Churches and the World Communion of Reformed Churches.
Rev. Rasendrahasina remarked, “This support has sustained the Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar.” He affirmed that the churches will persist in educating the populace on moral and ethical behavior, addressing the erosion of values during the crisis.
In conclusion, Madagascar’s political crisis has significantly strained the nation’s unity and the role of its churches. However, through reconciliation efforts, the church remains a steadfast advocate for peace, drawing support from global church organizations. Rev. Rasendrahasina’s leadership exemplifies the church’s ongoing commitment to moral education and fostering forgiveness among the population as a means to restore social harmony.
Original Source: oikoumene.org
