Catholic Bishop in Guinea-Bissau Urges Fraternity as a Response to the Country’s Social, Political Challenges

He states that fraternity “was wounded by sin”, as shown in the story of Cain and Abel, but restored by Christ. “Jesus, in calling us brothers and teaching that the neighbor is everyone we encounter, invites us to break down barriers and live inclusive fraternity,” he says..

Making reference to the  parable of the Good Samaritan, he observes that fraternity “knows no boundaries of blood, ethnicity, culture, or religion.”

Bishop Quematchahe who has been Local Ordinary of Bafatá since his Episcopal Ordination on June 28 insists on living fraternity concretely, especially in the sociocultural context of Guinea-Bissau. 

He notes that “diversity is a wealth, not a threat,” and asks that “Christian communities cultivate communion among different ethnicities and sensibilities.” 

Lauding interreligious prayer experiences in the Diocese, he calls for sincere dialogue with believers of other faiths as a way to build bridges in a country marked by religious differences.

Reflecting on the country's upcoming general elections scheduled for November 23, the Catholic Church leader directly addresses the country’s political and social reality, denouncing attempts to manipulate faith and identity for electoral purposes and warning that such practices seriously harm peaceful coexistence. 

“Elections should not be an occasion for conflict, but an opportunity to exercise responsible citizenship, guided by the values of the Gospel,” he says. 

He exhorts Christians to reject all forms of tribalism, vote-buying, and religious instrumentalization, saying, “We need leaders who promote justice, peace, and the common good.”

Bishop Quematcha also speaks of fraternity in relation to the defense of human dignity, affirming that this is the foundation of any just and fraternal society. 

He emphasizes that every human being possesses inviolable dignity, a value that he says does not depend on ethnicity, religion, or social status.

The Catholic Bishop invites all Christians to “defend the most vulnerable and remain attentive to injustices that undermine the social fabric.”

He invites the faithful not to succumb to “fear or discouragement, but to be bearers of hope in their homes, communities, workplaces, and society.”

Bishop Quematcha warns against practices such as corruption, ethnic division, and religious manipulation, and encourages Catholics to actively participate in public life with a critical yet constructive spirit. 

“It is not enough to vote. We must discern, accompany, supervise, and contribute with concrete proposals,” he says.

Addressing members of the Clergy, Bishop Quematcha asks them to be a motivating presence in communities, especially the most vulnerable. 

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“Be a presence that consoles, accompanies, and encourages. Do not tire of serving,” he says.

He also asks families to be spaces of hope and faith. 

To young people and adolescents, he implores, “Be signs of a new future! Live Christian hope with joy, courage, and commitment to the common good.”

Meanwhile, the Bishop had officially announced the dates of the Jubilee celebrations beginning with the opening of the Pastoral Year and Jubilee on October 19.

The grand celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Diocese of Bafatá is set to take place from  24 to 26 April 2026. 

A Diocesan Assembly will be convened in November to define the preparatory activities of the anniversary themed “”. 

“This is a time of grace. May the Jubilee help us renew our faith, strengthen our communion, and rekindle our missionary commitment,” Bishop Quematcha says.