NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      FREETOWN, Sierra Leone (CWNews.com) - A Sierra Leone bishop on Thursday called for rebel forces to release three priests kidnapped from their rural parishes.

      Bishop George Biguzzi of Makeni said, "They are men of God who should be released unconditionally as they are not connected with politics." Two of the priests were identified as Father Dominic Kargbo and Father Machelli. The bishop also reported that the rebels looted Catholic parishes in Makeni including the cathedral and the bishop's office.

      More than 5,000 people have been killed in renewed fighting in Sierra Leone this year as rebels battled government troops, mostly near the capital Freetown.