The grip of armed gangs on vast swathes of the country has forced dozens of churches and parishes to close. Priests, religious, and parishioners are exposed to escalating violence. Despite the threats and attacks, the churches continue to fulfill their mission to a population severely affected by insecurity.

In Port-au-Prince, 40 parishes have had to close. In the Central Plateau, 15 others have ceased operations, as well as 10 more in the Artibonite region. Catholic schools and religious houses have also suffered repeated attacks. Despite this pressure, the Bishop of Jérémie, Joseph Gontrand Décoste, believes that churches and religious leaders are among the last remaining beacons of faith in the country.

In recent years, Christians have suffered numerous attacks. "We are the last remaining moral, ethical, spiritual, and prophetic bulwark. That is why they want to eliminate us."

Despite these grave dangers, Bishop Décoste stated that the Church continues to serve the Haitian people through pastoral care, prayer, radio broadcasts, and online teaching. It also provides concrete assistance to thousands of internally displaced Haitians.

"We continue to pray, sing, and dance. In Haiti, we say: As long as they haven’t cut off our heads, we still have hope of wearing a hat. That’s why we never lose hope."

IH/ S/ iciHaiti