Catholic Information Service for Africa (Nairobi)
22 August 2008
Pretoria — Ahead of national elections next year, the Catholic Church has expressed concern about the quality of political leadership in South Africa.
At the recent plenary meeting of the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference (SACBC), "lack of ethical leadership, slow service provision and delivery [and] lack of service from the Public Service were all extensively discussed," according to Fr Chris Townsend, the bishops' information officer.
President Thabo Mbeki is to step down at the end of his second term in 2009. His sacked deputy, Jacob Zuma, succeeded him as party leader of the African National Congress and is likely to become the next president.
The hugely popular Zuma has been charged with corruption and was acquitted of rape two years ago. He, however, admitted having sex with the HIV-positive woman.
The bishops also criticized the still popular ANC for having "taken the title of 'ruling' party to heart, with little concern for other groupings." It had lost the sense of 'governing', they said.
The bishops felt that the future of democracy was at stake and that positive intervention was necessary. They resolved to issue two pastoral letters on the elections, one when the polls are announced and the second shortly before polling day.
Other issues discussed at the plenary included the Second Synod for Africa, scheduled for October 2009. The Lineamenta, or working document, for the synod was discussed and will be finalised by the SACBC secretariat. The 15th plenary meeting of the Symposium of Episcopal conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) which might be hosted by South Africa next year was also discussed.
On the Year of St Paul which began on June 29, the bishops proposed a pastoral letter. Study material on the subject will be available by the Catholic Bible College.
The church leaders also discussed evangelization, focusing on the overwhelming call by the 2007 Pastoral Forum for formation of the laity. Fr Barney McAleer reported on his efforts throughout the territory. The bishops felt it important that there be an animated group of laity who could bring Christ and his ideals into the political, economic, social and cultural spheres.
The conference resolved to give its full and enthusiastic support to the cause for the beatification and canonisation of the Servant of God Abbot Francis Pfanner, founder of Mariannhill Monastery and the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood.
Other issues the bishops addressed were the role of Catholic education in evangelization, the youth, HIV/AIDS, and Christian formation, liturgy and culture.
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I never ever saw myself agreeing with a catholic bishop,but what can you do, he's right.