kidnappers to release a Catholic priest in the northern peninsula of Jaffna.
In a statement, Archbishop Mario Zenari asked that those responsible for the disappearance of Priest Jim Brown, 34, to come forward amid concerns that authorities are not doing enough to search for the priest.
Brown was last seen August 20 at a military checkpoint in the region Allaipiddy, accompanied by a father of five, several Catholic sources said. "We appeal to the sentiments of humanity of those responsible for his disappearance, asking them to recognize their fault and to act consequently," told reporters.
Human rights group Amnesty International reportedly also sent an appeal this week to Sri Lankan officials. The human rights watchdog said its fears that the priest and his companion "may be victims of ‘disappearance," reported AsiaNews, a Catholic news agency.
20 KILLED
The priest went missing one week after the death of apparently some 20 people in Allaipiddy, during fighting between Sri Lankan security forces and Tamil Tigers, a rebel group fighting for an independent homeland in Sri Lanka.
Bishop Thomas Savundaranayagam of Jaffna mobilized Christians after he heard of the priest’s and layman’s disappearance, Catholic news media said. The prelate sent an appeal to the president, Mahinda Rajapaske.
"I requested that the president reply to our letter about the disappearance of Father Nihal Jim Brown and his helper, but we have not heard back yet," he reportedly said.
A priest for three years, Father Brown was appointed pastor of Allaipiddy a few weeks ago amid ongoing reports of attacks against Christians in the area. On August 12, his Church of St. Philip Neri reportedly came under fire when the Sri Lankan navy and Tamil Tigers clashed at Allaipiddy. Civilians were killed as they sought shelter in the church, several reports said. (With BosNewsLife Special Correspondent Eric Leijenaar).
