Catholic Priest  condemns killing of Isaiah Henry and Joel Henry

Dear Editor

I condemn the senseless and gruesome murder of two teenage boys – Isaiah Henry and Joel Henry, in West Coast Berbice.

I believe that, “Human life is sacred because from its beginning it involves the creative action of God and it remains forever in a special relationship with the Creator, who is its sole end” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2258).

As I pray for the families of Isaiah and Joel, I also share the outrage of their friends and neighbours in Cotton Tree.  While I understand that protests in our communities reflect the justified frustration and anger, I urge citizens not to allow themselves to be provoked to seek retaliation against those who they may think are responsible.

We, as a Church, pray that justice for Isaiah and Joel will be quick and those responsible will be brought before the Court.

I call for a national healing process that helps us recover from past traumas and live a more peaceful life.  We must quickly and sincerely address the root causes of division and violence in our society.

Regards

Fr. Carl Philadelphia
Church of the Guardian Angel (Hopetown, West Coast Berbice)
Church of the Ascension (New Amsterdam, Berbice)