We are created for incorruption

by Dr Raymond Perrier · September 29, 2013

�Created for incorruption� � these words are from the Wisdom of Solomon (2:23).�In a Church context we often think of �corruption� in terms of sexual sin; but in wider society, especially South African society, corruption brings up a fuller range of issues: bribery, nepotism, tenders, back-handers, shoddy work, service delivery failures, fixing contracts, vote-rigging.

“But that is exactly what we are called to do as Christians � to show the world a better way, to show that the light can shine in the darkness and the darkness will not win. “

Though it comes in so many forms each one of them corrupts the individual, corrupts our communities and corrupts the rest of society. It is not surprising that corruption is mentioned as one of the chief concerns by our fellow citizens.

Of course, corruption exists to varying degrees in all countries. But that does not mean that it should not be challenged, both locally and globally.

The organisation Transparency International argues that the least corrupt countries are democracies that have regular free elections, stable government and an independent system of justice. South Africa has all those and yet, between 1995 and 2013, in their ranking of corruption in 140 countries, we have plummeted from being among the less corrupt countries (in the mid-20s) to join the increasingly corrupt countries (in the mid-60s).

It is easy in the face of such widespread corruption to just give up and feel powerless.

Pope Francis recognised this temptation when visiting a poor informal settlement during his recent trip to Brazil. His words to the young people he addressed are words for us as well: �You are often disappointed by corruption, when people put their own interests before the common good. To you and to all, I repeat: never give in to discouragement, do not lose trust, do not allow your hope to be defeated. Be the first to seek to bring good, do not grow used to evil, but fight back with good.�

This is a sentiment already heeded by our bishops. In three weeks� time, on the weekend of October 13, a statement from them to all Catholics in Southern Africa will specifically address the question of corruption and what we can do about it as individuals and as communities.

The bishops� pastoral letter coincides with a wider initiative which brings together Christians from across different traditions and different countries. The campaign is called �Exposed� and you can read more about it on its website (www.

exposed2013.com).

The slogan they use is of �shining a light on corruption�. John�s gospel gives us the image of light shining in darkness � the light is not just Christ but all of us who call ourselves Christians. People get away with corruption because it hides in the shadows � the corporate deal that is under the table, the money passed over in a brown envelope, the recruitment in which private interests are not revealed. As Christians we should be committed to the truth, to the light.

But we hesitate because we worry about that light being shone on us. Who of us has not been tempted by corruption? To arrange a job for a friend or family member who is not the best candidate? To pay a bribe to a traffic cop so we can get home quickly? To fail to deliver a service because we don�t feel like working?

When everyone around us is behaving like that it can be hard to act differently. But that is exactly what we are called to do as Christians � to show the world a better way, to show that the light can shine in the darkness and the darkness will not win.

We can draw on our own moral compass, we can draw on the experiences of other communities, we can draw on Scripture and Catholic Social Teaching � and over the next few weeks The Southern Cross will focus on these and other ways of fighting corruption.

But we have another resource. So one part of the exposed campaign is to encourage Christians to join in a global prayer vigil against corruption during the week of October 14.

Look out for events that are happening in a church near you � or organise a prayer vigil in your own church and invite other Christians to join you.

Tackling corruption might look impossible but remember the Gospel�s promise: nothing is impossible for God.