The principle of “state secularism” should not prevent public authorities from working with religious denominations. This was the message conveyed by Colonel Michaël Randrianirina, President of the Refondation, on Saturday in Morondava, during the consecration of Monsignor Jeannot Martial Andrianandrainy, the new auxiliary bishop of the diocese.
In front of the faithful and authorities gathered at the Maria Manjaka Cathedral, Colonel Michaël Randrianirina stated that the country needs all its vital forces, including those of the Churches. “We often hear about the ‘secularism of the State,’ but here we clearly see that the State needs all religious denominations to help the country,” he affirmed.
For him, the current crisis requires overcoming barriers. Far from questioning the Constitution, this openness is, according to him, a pragmatic necessity to face social challenges and the distress of the population. The head of the Refondation also addressed the Christians directly, calling on them to “open up to the people so that they are not harmed,” and urged the State to do the same. “In this transition, it is not only things that need to change, but also mentalities,” he concluded.
Captured & Published at: 2026-07-27 05:38:45 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/07/laicite-de-letat-la-colonel.html