We must support bishops on ethics

by Letters Editor · May 8, 2014

From Allan Sauls, Johannesburg

The Southern African bishops have always raised their concerns on matters of political ethics, such as apartheid�s inhumane acts against humanity.�More recently, they issued a statement on the Nkandla Report.

Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference

When unethical, immoral and unjust acts are directed against humanity, and are in opposition to justice and peace, the bishops need to act.

South Africa is a constitutional democracy born out of the need to liberate the suffering of the majority of its people, living in difficult and often very challenging circumstances under the apartheid regime.

Many of these challenging circumstance still affect many ordinary, struggling South Africans.

The bishops must act in defence of the poor, who have not enjoyed the freedoms which democracy promised.

The bishops, as spiritual teachers and leaders, need to act decisively and unequivocally in favour of democratic South Africa and its people. Failing to do so would be tantamount to supporting acts of injustice and unethical behaviour against ordinary South Africans, especially the poor and vulnerable, who often do not have a voice.

Our bishops must continue highlighting matters of an unethical and immoral nature, and as Catholics we should support and pray for them when they take such stands.