Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Fides Service)- “South Africa is still a young democracy which must learn to find rapid solutions to urgent problems such as how to achieve greater social justice and give more attention to moral values” Cardinal Wilfrid Fox Napier, Archbishop of Durban and President of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) told Fides. The Cardinal is presently in Rome for the five yearly ad Limina visit.
The Cardinal reflected on how South Africa has progressed since the end of apartheid eleven years ago: “Eleven years are not enough to heal the wounds inflicted by apartheid. However the Commission for Truth and Reconciliation did a good job to bring the truth about past violence to light and at the same time defuse the desire for revenge. Now we must work for more social justice and a more equal distribution of riches”.
“Recent disorder in Cape Town and Port Elizabeth were signs of social and political unrest deriving at least partly from discontent for government failing to keep its promises” the Cardinal said. “In 1994 with the end of apartheid and advent of democracy the new ruling class promised to improve the living conditions of the poorer sectors of society. But today ten years later many South Africans are still calling for work, decent housing, an education system and efficient healthcare”.
“News papers in South Africa give ample space to cases of major political leaders being investigated for corruption and this only increases discouragement and resentment among the people ” the Cardinal said.
The Archbishop of Durban also stressed that South Africa must rediscover moral values: “South Africa’s leadership thinks that respect for human rights is a sufficient basis for democracy. However all the country’s religious leaders, not only Catholics, say this is not enough: strong supported must be given to moral values to ensure correct social progress. South Africa for example is among the countries with the highest rate of sexual violence against women. This is due to a widespread mentality that sex and women are a commodity. And it is sad to see that our new black middle class is so materialist”.
With regard to religion in the country Cardinal Napier said “the Catholic Church is definite point of reference for the people. Many who are burdened with economic troubles or illnesses such as AIDS come to us for help, spiritual and material comfort. I was personally impressed by the deep spirituality of South African Catholics on the occasion of the annual pilgrimage to the Shrine of Mary at the end of May. I was edified to see the number of people who went to confession”.
“A deep need for spirituality and religious comfort felt especially by people with AIDS leads many to seek immediate satisfaction in new religions and sects” the Cardinal said. “This is a challenge for the Catholic Church which we try to meet with catechesis adapted to the requirements of different age groups, particularly young adults 30 - 40 age group who tend to leave the Church”.
At the social level the Catholic Church in South Africa plays an important part in assisting refugees from the Great Lakes region of Africa. “In this field the religious orders offer a fundamental service. For example the Scalabrinian Fathers and Sisters, the Jesuit Refugee Service and the Holy Ghost Fathers or Spiritans” said Cardinal Napier. “Unfortunately the presence of refugees and foreign immigrants gives rise to xenophobic reactions which need to be avoided by means of careful work of education”.(L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 6/6/2005 righe 51 parole 635)
