Unity in the Church

The bishops’ latest pastoral letter, dealing with unity within the Southern African Church, is a timely reminder that much still needs to be done to transform our society and Church into a truly South African model.

The bishops observe that Catholics only intermittently gather together in worship across cultural and ethnic lines. They single out “white Catholics and people of other ethnic groups” as finding excuses for not crossing the cultural boundaries, usually with reference to language and the length of services. Although somewhat awkwardly phrased, the bishops have identified a principal obstacle to accomplishing their vision of a united Church, a vision they articulated in their pastoral plan of 1989.

Those Catholics thus addressed may feel aggrieved at being singled out in so direct a manner–indeed, the idea of attending a lengthy Mass conducted in a language one does not understand is daunting. However, resistance to (never mind dismissal of) the bishops’ exhortation would be unhelpful. Instead, a spirit of openness and a willingness to explore new avenues of interaction is indispensable.

Such a spirit has not always been evident. When Archbishop Buti Tlhagale discussed the question of inculturation in this newspaper some years ago, portions of his views were misunderstood by some, and even misrepresented. A sincere and candid dialogue on inculturation surely would have produced rich fruits.

Inculturation is a programme of the Church. All Catholics must engage in this process in a spirit of mutual respect and discernment.

The pastoral letter does not provide a one-sided critique, however. The bishops point out that that some national days are politicised to such an extent that certain sections of the population feel alienated. This phenomenon requires attention, too.

The bishops are not asking the faithful to relinquish the forms and vernacular of regular worship they are used to. They do ask, however, that the faithful, as communities and as individuals, find ways of relating mutually to those of different cultural and ethnic traditions.

While the pastoral letter offers no concrete suggestions as to how this may be accomplished (other than appealing to the conscience of the faithful), they do point to an area where much progress has been made: the initiatives of Catholic youth.

The faithful would not be ill advised to follow the example of many youth groups, and some progressive parishes, who have made great strides in facilitating inter-cultural contact. In time, it may be hoped, such interaction will lead to a truly South African Church, one that accommodates and incorporates the diversity of the land.

The bishops call on all Catholics “to become shining examples of unity where different peoples are able to tolerate and accept one another in love and worship.” This mandate comes not only from the episcopal teaching authority, but directly from our Lord.

The bishops have set the local Church a challenge, one that requires openness, tolerance and much dialogue. It may not be dismissed.