FJKM President makes public return
Thursday, 21 January 2010 17:28
The CWM-member Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar (FJKM) celebrated the beginning of the new year at a special service on 17 January, the Madagascar Tribune reported.
It was the the first public appearance by FJKM President Rev Lala Rasendrahasina since 17 March 2009 when he had been removed and abused by the military.
Mr Rasendrahasina recalled the events of the last year, and warned that the FJKM will continue to encounter difficulties.
He denounced a climate of threat towards the church, and exhorted the faithful to keep their faith and to continue to pray for the activities of the FJKM.
He also referred to attempts at division of the leaders of the FJKM. He spoke as the church-based Radio Fahazavana (Radio Light) was taken off air by the government, and the director of Radio Fahazavana and one of its journalists were arrested, on charges that they played a role in an attempted military mutiny on 29 December 2009.
Security forces in Madagascar used tear gas to break up opposition marchers in the capital, Antananarivo, on 6 January.
They were marching to the presidential palace to deliver a letter to military-backed leader Andry Rajoelina. The letter asked Mr Rajoelina if he still supports reconciliation as a way to end the country's political turmoil.
