20994: Walton: RE: 20953: Mason Re 20946 Vishnusurf: Re Haiti's Spiritual & Soc ial Needs (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: "Walton, Robert" <robert.walton3@us.army.mil>

Aout two weeks ago I had written to a knowledgable vodouisant:

"To me, it seemed possible and productive for an association of houngans and
mambos to assist in the formation of a new government, one that would
provide for the welfare of the common people.  Cannot this great tradition
be harnessed as a means for the salvation of the country?"

I received a response:

"It should not be, any more than a particular church denomination in the USA
be the "salvation" of the USA.  The separation of church and state is
mandated by the Haitian constitution, just as it is mandated by the United
States constitution.

Haitian Vodouisants certainly must participate in the government and civic
life of Haiti - as citizens, not specifically as Vodouisants."

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I continue to believe that the spiritual leaders of all faiths can play an
important role by counseling the members of their congregations toward a
unity of purpose - one people, one nation.


Bob