Bishop Sithembele Sipuka’s Message on the Death of Fr Albert Nolan OP

by Admin · October 20, 2022

(Left) Dominican Father Albert Nolan in 2014 with then-novices Brs Boiketlo Mohlokoana, Sikhosiphi Mgoza, Ernest Mwape and Guide Marambanyika

The late Fr Albert Nolan OP “was a beacon of hope for the poor and oppressed in a world and a country that is still characterised by gross inequality and injustice”, according to Bishop Sithembele Sipuka of Mthaha, president of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC). Fr Nolan, a world-renowned theologian and anti-apartheid activist, died on October 17 at the age of 88.

In a message of condolences to Dominican provincial superior Myke Mwale OP, the SACBC president noted that Fr Nolan “stands in the league of Beyers Naudé, Joe Slovo, Trevor Huddleston, Helen Joseph and many other white South Africans who transcended social conditioning and racial prejudice, striving for common humanity and common good. He took a position against the apartheid system and the continuing exclusive economic system when it was not popular to do so.”

“Through his writings, workshops and teachings, he articulated the meaning of the good news of the Gospel to the poor as clearly expressed by the titles of some of his books, God in South Africa, Jesus Today, Hope in an Age of Despair, to mention a few,” Bishop Sipuka said.

“His example of life and lucid naming of what is wrong with the prevailing systems of politics and economy and a call for Gospel-inspired alternative ways was a consolation for the poor, a challenge for the leaders and a motivation for the Church to remain steadfast in its preferential option for the poor.,” the bishop said.

“We are poorer without Fr Nolan’s continued inspiration to work for a just and equitable world, and so his passing on brings sadness,” Bishiop Sipuka said.

“We remain grateful for the memory of his life and the record of his prophetic thoughts through his books to transform this world into God’s Kingdom. May we not be complacent and may we not give in to blind loyalty at the expense of justice.”