The Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations is pleased to announce an update from our Caritas Internationalis colleagues: Fr. Richard [Kissi] was released from rebel/forces after intervention by UN forces. All details not yet clear. His release also facilitated other protections for clergy as they continue to assist innocent civilians and families.
Thank you to all for your prayers and please continue to join us in prayer for peace in Cote d'Ivoire.
The Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations expresses our deep concern for Fr. Richard Kissi, Diocesan Director of Caritas in Abidjan in Cote d’Ivoire who was kidnapped in the late morning of 29 March while he was heading to Anyama, a suburb of Abidjan, to evacuate seminarians at the “Grand Séminaire” after violent clashes had taken place in the area.
Caritas Internationalis has been a long-time partner of the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations. The Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations joins Caritas Internationalis in the call for the immediate and safe release of Fr. Kissi and the protection of Christian aid workers in the region. We encourage Presbyterians to pray for Fr. Kissi, his family and friends, our partners in the Caritas Internationalis, all humanitarian aid workers, and the people of Côte d’Ivoire.