In his retropective of the various Church-State conflicts of the past 30 years, Father Phillipe Goupille endeavours to explain the reasons that motivated the stand of the Church. Conflicts were frequent during that pre and post independence period with all the major changes and teething pains of the country. However, the most important thing is the fact that contrarily to most world religious conflicts, the use of violence or arms was never an issue. Hence, the title of the book, Le conflit désarmé (The unarmed conflict).

Jean Margéot, whom the author refers to as his ?spiritual father?, was vicar, bishop and eventually cardinal over that historical period.This religious figure made history through his courage in exposing his convictions and never compromising on his principles. He has in fact been a pioneer in various fields - education and birth control being the mosst famous.

The book clarifies the role and mission of the Church. especially where public affairs are concerned. It knows it has no right to interfere in the political running of the country, but the Church intervenes when it thinks ethical and human rights issues are being violated. This is precisely the source of conflicts .

Nevertheless, once their nature is understood, it becomes easier to define the priorities. Those of the Church are different from the State?s and this fundamental difference cannot be reconciled.The country being a secular one, where no religion has its say in policy matters, the role of the Church is thus more delicate.

Catholics form more than 40% of the population. The role of the Church thus becomes harder to define. On the one hand, it is speaking for a substantial group in the country and on the other, it has to tread carefully for fear of offending other institutions and faiths.

This awkward position could have been explosive. It hasn?t been and Father Goupille explains why. The secret lies in consensus and compromise without compromission. It entails understanding differing priorities and working around them. The examples are many.

In the 1950s for instance, the government was seeking to regulate contraception and birth control in the country with all its implications. The church?s uncompromising stand on the issue was known and attempts at dialogue and compromise were made. Successfully so, one might add. Action Familiale has always opened its doors to all Mauritians and has been internationally accliamed as a success story on birth control.

The accession to independence was yet another potentially explosive situation that was avoided thanks to the stand of the Church in the face of apprehensions of some of its followers.

The conflicts have been many and many more are bound to come. But The unarmed conflict remains proof that Church and State can peacefully resolve conflicts. It should be understood that the Church?s mission is to promote human life and make proposals ?while inviting the government to come up with a plan for the social and economic development of the country.?