Ortega Seeking Bishops’ Support for Church Talks

President Daniel Ortega, seeking smoother relations with the Roman Catholic Church, has called for steps toward dialogue with the church and has solicited the support of bishops around the world.

In a letter addressed to episcopal conferences in countries with which Nicaragua has diplomatic relations, Ortega defended his government’s decision to expel top-ranking Bishop Pablo Antonio Vega, saying the cleric’s statements about Nicaragua were crucial to the House of Representatives’ approval of increased aid to anti-Sandinista rebels.

The letter, an undated text of which was published Friday in the official newspaper Barricada, said, “The road toward an understanding (with the church hierarchy) has not been made easy. Nevertheless, we believe dialogue is not only necessary, but that we must take steps to make it a reality.

“It is in this sense that I address myself to you . . . trusting that your high authority will contribute toward creating a climate for dialogue and confidence that the government of Nicaragua wants.”

Tense relations between the Marxist-led Sandinista government and the church hierarchy were strained further last month by the expulsion of Vega and Father Bismarck Carballo, the spokesman for Nicaragua’s Episcopal Conference, after the House approved the increased aid to the contra rebels.