RCC bishops in Ukraine denounce attacks against Roma people
On June 25, 2018, the conference of the Roman Catholic bishops in Ukraine issued a statement condemning the attacks on Roma camps, Rkc.lviv.ua reports.
The statement reads: "It is with great distress and anxiety that we learned about attacks on the Roma camps that have been taking place recently in Ukraine, and especially about the latest tragic pogrom of the Roma camp near Lviv, in which 24-year-old boy David died and 4 people were injured.
Such violent actions of those who position themselves as patriots of their people deserve unequivocal condemnation. St. John Paul II, in a speech on October 5, 1995 at the United Nations, said: “It is necessary to clarify the fundamental differences between the unhealthy form of nationalism, which teaches contempt for other peoples and cultures, and the patriotism inherent in the love of one’s country. True patriotism never tries to grasp the well-being of his country at the expense of others. After all, in the end, it will also affect its own nation, damaging both sides - both the aggressor and the victim. Nationalism, especially in its extremely radical forms, is the antithesis of genuine patriotism.”
Let’s avoid racist hatred and violence, education of youth intolerant to national minorities, to the weak and those who live or think “differently.”
To the families of all those affected, we express our deepest condolences and embrace our prayer. And to the Good God we especially entrust the soul of the deceased David - let him rest in the eternal peace,” says the appeal.
According to RISU, on June 25, the UGCC urged the authorities to punish those responsible for the Roma pogrom near Lviv, and Ukrainian citizens "to strongly oppose such behavior." The community of St. Egidius also expressed sharp criticism of the attacks on Roma camps on April 26.
