To
all Catholics and all People of Goodwill
On
The
current outbreak of Xenophobia.
Dear
Brothers and Sisters in Christ
As
a pastor, as a South African and as a resident of Durban, I am
utterly shocked and filled with shame by the violence and intolerance
that has overtaken our beloved city. It is truly sad to see brothers
and sisters from Africa living in fear of their lives and desperate
as they watch their homes and livelihoods destroyed by misguided and
violent groups and individuals. With other religious leaders of our
city and province, I have repeatedly condemned such behaviour as well
as attempts to incite or justify it.
First
let us remind ourselves that this is contrary to the values enshrines
in the Constitution of South Africa, expressed in these words of the
Preamble: “We believe that South Africa belongs to all
who live in South Africa,
united in our diversity.” We
should be justly proud that this value of Ubuntu is enshrined in the
highest document in the land.
Secondly,
it is contrary to the values of the Church. The Pastoral
Constitution, Gaudium
et Spes,
issued by the Second Vatican Council 50 years ago, also reminds us
that as followers of Christ we are called to share in the griefs and
anxieties of all
other human beings; if
there is any preference it should be for those who ‘are poor or in
any way afflicted’. We are to look out for those who are
marginalised not to target them with violence, but rather with our
love.
And
thirdly, this is contrary to our values as human beings. In my work
with people of other religions, I see how they each tradition teaches
unity of and respect for all human beings. This is also seen in the
way that people from all communities have been outraged by the
violence and have responded by saying: ‘Not in my name!’
The
xenophobic behaviour we have seen and the attitudes that lie behind
it do not reflect the majority of people. We must not allow a few
bullies to change how we, as people living in South Africa, see each
other and see ourselves.
As
a Catholic community we need to make a meaningful response. Many,
many people now need our help as they have had to leave their homes
and their jobs and seek safety for themselves and their children.
Our
Catholic organisations have been responding round the clock in the
areas most affected. But every Catholic can make a contribution.
The Refugee Pastoral Care Commission of the Archdiocese is asking
especially for donations of food, both that can be cooked and tinned
(perishable and non-perishable), blankets, toiletries, baby food and
disposable nappies and clothes. Donations of items can be dropped
off at the Chancery or St Joseph’s Church, Florida Road,
Morningside from where they will be distributed to people in need.
Donations of cash (to help pay for emergency accommodation) can be
made through your parish and sent to the Chancery clearly marked for
Refugee Relief.
This
sad and traumatic time is also an opportunity for us as a Catholic
community to work out a longer-term response. We need to make sure
that the areas in which we live are places where all feel welcome and
safe. If people have fled our neighbourhoods because they felt
unwelcome, we need to help them to move back and rebuild their lives.
And if we know people who do not share our values, we need to
challenge them to a ‘conversion of heart’ in which, like the Good
Samaritan, we see every person as our neighbour, especially those who
are different from us.
South
African politicians are troubled about how we can build community in
our country. As Catholics we have the chance to provide a model of
good community-building in every part of the land. We can show that
we are willing and able to live in harmony with others. To use the
words of Pope Francis: “We need to build bridges not walls.
Christians
who are afraid to build bridges and prefer to build walls are
Christians who are not sure of their faith, not sure of Jesus
Christ.”
With
the Holy Father I urge you and all residents of South Africa to build
bridges and to help move our country forwards.
May
God bless you for your care and concern for the least of the brethren
of Jesus and our brothers and sisters!
+
Wilfrid Card Napier OFMArchbishop
of Durban
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