Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Johannesburg (Agenzia Fides) – Archbishop Buti Tlhagale, Catholic Archbishop of Johannesburg has called for an emergency response by Catholic parishes and institutions in Johannesburg, asking that they offer aid to the immigrants who have fled their homes in recent days.
“Facing the reality that many refugees and foreign born South Africa residents have fled their homes with nothing, the Archbishop has called for Catholic Parishes to become both centers of welcome and collection points for relief,” a statement sent to Fides from the Archdiocese of Johannesburg said.
Archbishop Thlagale, the statement says, “recognized the enormous contribution that has already been made by so many communities and individuals. He has visited a number of sites where refugees are being accommodated and expressed his profound gratitude to the South African community who had responded so generously.”
The Archbishop of Johannesburg, who is also the President of the SACBC (the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Botswana, South Africa, and Swaziland), condemned the violence and xenophobia. “Xenophobia challenges the very Catholicity of the Church. Maybe we should be looking at Xeno-philia – the love of the stranger,” said the Archbishop after an emergency Clergy meeting where the situation in a number of parishes was assessed.
The Archbishop has asked all Catholics to bring their contributions to their local parishes. A structure has been established for collection, sorting and delivery of contributions. The Archdiocese has committed to work with other structures and the Disaster management process.
The violence in recent days has resulted in at least 56 deaths, numerous arrests, and over 30,000 evacuees. The Council of South African Ministers has drawn up a plan to help victims of the xenophobe violence on the outskirts of Johannesburg, which includes the establishing of seven refugee camps, in order to accommodate foreign immigrants fleeing the violence that is afflicting the country. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 29/5/2008)
