News from home made me think

It is always good to hear news from home, especially from the many readers of The Southern Cross.

The departments and committees of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference keep me up-to-date about the development of the Church in our region.

The presbyterium (community of priests) continues to preach the Good News occurring in South Africa and the region. The African Catholic Priests Solidarity Movement updates the world about the transformation, or lack of it, in our beloved country. As one would expect, some compatriots are cursing while others are blessing. But may all of you continue to receive the benefits of the Easter event.

The media, as expected, continues to propagate their observations and opinions. The Church, as an integral part of the community, cannot avoid the occasional homily from journalists. Whether communicators are believers or atheists is not essential–I wish all could be the bearers of Good News. But who are we to judge the credentials of people who are committed to informing the public, even though they receive very little compensation for their labour.

The report on racism compiled by the bishops’ Justice and Peace department caught the attention of the international community. People are questioning the integrity of the Church even as they acknowledge that the Church is both human and divine.

The international media seems to be under the impression that the leadership of the Church in Southern Africa is not telling the whole truth about accusations of racism in the report. It is obvious that the Church, like any other institution, must engage in public relations, telling society that things are well, though the opposite may be true.

In Southern Africa racism is the worst of the social anomaly that can be associated with the Church of Christ. The claims of racism as reported in the media are taken as the truth by the international media and observers who see South Africa as the epitome of racism and segregation.

Racism, the crime against humanity (as declared by the United Nations), cannot be allowed to exist.

How the Church responds to such serious accusations is important. The Justice and Peace department was embarrassed by the secular media’s interest in their report. Some now say it was a mistake to make the racism report public (it was, of course, available for months before the Sunday Times got hold of it. The Southern Cross itself reported about it twice, in December and in February).

Bishop Mlungisi Dlungwane, the chairman of the Justice & Peace department, is quoted as saying the language used in the report could be improved.

One leading prelate has reportedly said that the hierarchy in the SACBC never even discussed the report.

The Church seems to be contradicting itself in the attempt to create an atmosphere of discussion and debate; conscientise its membership about the dangers facing its institutions; and to inform the general public about what is happening. Such contradictions confuse and frustrate the members of the Church and the general public.

Questions need to be answered. Does the Justice and Peace department have a legitimate mandate to collate and publicise popular sentiments which may embarrass the Church as a role model? Why is Bishop Dlungwane quoted as saying the report could have been reported in a more favourable and positive manner? What should be the role of the SACBC leadership in addressing and reacting to such serious allegations? What is expected of the media?

South African racism is a challenge to be solved by the whole of society. The worldwide Church is today faced by so many debatable issues: abortion, contraception, homosexuality, euthanasia, appointment of bishops, the papacy, women’s ordination, celibacy, evolution vs creationism, inculturation, sexism, technology, science–and racism.

Without the intervention of the media, Catholic and secular, many Catholics will not know what is happening in their own Church. Without robust debates and discussions ignorance and complicity will continue to taunt the Church. The public must know when the individual bishops are speaking on their own behalf or representing the views of the Catholic Church. The role of the priests in decision making must be made clear. The contribution and wisdom of the laity must not be underestimated. The Church also needs to question why the theologians seem to be quiet and indifferent about issues they should be clarifying.

“You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free (John 8:31-32).

What is the truth? The real truth?