The National Front
In a period of crisis when more and more people find themselves excluded from mainstream society, the strong position of the National Front finds an echo among people. Its poison has spread everywhere, poison which is known as racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism and fascism...
For citizens, it is unbearable for it is a menace to democracy and human rights.
For Christians, it is at odds with the Gospel, for the Gospel is not indifferent. It does not offer solutions, it enlightens choices and reminds people of exigencies.
To be a citizen nowadays is to be open more and more to other cultures. A national identity can only be built when the community envisages a future in common with people of other cultures, acknowledging these cultures.
The President of the National Front is looking backwards when he says "You like France or you quit".
When he quotes Jesuswords "love your neighbour as yourself" as meaning that you must love those who are close to you before the immigrants, he betrays the Gospel. Jesus says "if you love those who love you, the pagans do it too. Love your enemy".
Jacques Gaillot
Write to Partenia: jgaillot@partenia.org