From Our Vaults 25 Years Ago: March 23, 1997

by Admin · March 21, 2022

(Left) Southern Cross, March 23 1997. (Right) Oblate novices (from left) Nduduzo Luthuli, Angelicus Mchunu, Wayne Cameron, Donovan Wheatley and Eugene Madlala behind the altar in the community chapel, fashioned by artist Deena Cormick, at the pre-novitiate in Cleland, KwaZulu-Natal. (Photo by Theo Lundall)

New abortion law resistance

Following the legalisation of abortion in February, “reports are streaming in of nurses and doctors who are refusing to perform abortions”, according to the organisation Doctors For Life. It said that of about 1000 nurses at the Pretoria

Academic Hospital, only ten said they were willing to perform abortions. The organisation also said it would obtain legal advice for pro-life doctors and nurses if necessary.

Namibia Church breaks away

The recently constituted Namibian bishops’ conference was formally launched at a Mass in Windhoek’s St Mary’s cathedral. At the altar (as pictured on the front-page) were Archbishop Boniface Haushiku of Windhoek, papal nuncio Archbishop Ambrose de Paoli, and Bishop Josef Shikongo of Rundu. Previously Namibia had been part of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference.

Church is helping Africa

In his editorial, Michael Shackleton writes that “in spite of adversity, the Church is working in Africa to improve the spiritual and temporal welfare of all. Although its influence is often perceived as suspect, the Church must continue to help Africa to help itself.”

Previous “From The Vaults” articles at www.scross.co.za/vaults