AFRICA/SOUTH AFRICA - The Catholic Bishops (South Africa, Botswana and Swaziland) united in the Bishops Conference of Southern Africa have issued 4 statements on the urgency to restore hope to the people, give more value to the role of teachers, firmly oppose ‘marriage’ of persons of the same sex and condemn trafficking of sex slaves

Thursday, 2 February 2006

Pretoria (Fides Service) - Political and social situation; trafficking of women and children; valorisation of role of teachers; same sex “marriage” were four questions discussed in separate statements issued at the end of a recent plenary assembly in Pretoria of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) which closed on 1 February.
With regard to the political and social situation in South Africa before the local government elections the Bishops call on Catholics and all men and women of good will to be vigilant and they write: “After extensive consultation, the Bishops reflect that South Africa stands at a new cross-road of history. Many people died for the New South Africa. We wonder if people are now willing to commit to living for South Africa?”. Ten years since the end of Apartheid the Bishops say that “While many wonderful developments have happened in our country, we have to admit that society has not come into being as we had expected it. Selfishness and corruption have led to great frustration... As a country we are largely in a state of denial and silence concerning the greatest challenge facing us - the HIV/AIDS pandemic which affects 6 million people.” In view of the elections the SACBBC say “We invite all who have hope in South Africa to join together for a brighter, more responsible and inclusive future. We place the local Elections under the protection of Almighty God, praying that a spirit of democracy and participation will prevail”.
The Southern African Bishops’ Conference has proclaimed 2006 “Care of the Teacher” Year, because the Bishops say in the statement on education in South Africa, “as the profession of teaching is the foundation of every other profession. Children, who are well taught by competent and faithful teachers from their earliest days, will not lack the foundation or the desire to develop their lives. Teachers play an important role in creating a positive environment for learners, and transmit values that form children into emotionally, spiritually, socially balanced and responsible citizens.”. Addressing Catholic teachers the Bishops encourage them saying “Teacher’ is the name Jesus is called most often in this Gospel. He is the model for all teachers, and his teaching is always Good News” and they add “Regrettably the teaching profession is not one that is highly rewarded materially and teachers are often taken for granted. The social problems of our time, especially AIDS, poverty and child abuse make the teachers’ work more difficult and require that, in addition to their normal teaching duties, they be social workers, counsellors, and care givers as well”.
In a statement “Does the State have the right to define marriage?” the Bishops say after meeting collegially, they continue to express their opposition to the Constitutional Court judgement instructing Parliament to change the civil definition of marriage to exclude gender. They recall the Catholic Church’s viewpoint that “Marriage, is the exclusive, permanent union of one man with one women, a union of mutual love and support. This union must be open to the procreation, nurturing and education of children”.
“The trafficking in the Vulnerable will not be challenged until Women and Children are treated, not as goods or possessions to be bought, used and sold, but as unique and valuable individuals” the Bishops write in the fourth statement on the Trafficking in Women and Children. “Aware that the countries of our territory (Botswana, South Africa and Swaziland) are not excluded from the international trafficking in women and children, particularly for the Sex trade - the Bishops affirm - We commit ourselves, together with the Leadership Conference of Consecrated Life (Major Religious Superiors) to provide greater support for initiatives to deal with this problem, such as those of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).” In this regard at its head offices in Pretoria the SACBC has established a desk to address the issue of Human Trafficking because “No person has the right to buy, use or sell another person.”. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 2/2/2006 righe 48 parole 599)


Share: