donderdag 8 oktober 2009
Africa at risk of wave of colonization by liberalism, archbishop warns
Vatican City, Oct 8, 2009 / 11:41 am (CNA)
Archbishop Joseph Tlhagale of Johannesburg, South Africa said this morning at the Synod for Africa that the continent faces a "second wave of colonization" from "liberalism, secularism and from lobbyists who squat at the United Nations."
The South African archbishop began his five-minute intervention by noting that moral values are "embedded in the diverse African cultures," and that, "alongside the Gospel values, are threatened by the new global ethic."
This ethic, he said, "aggressively seeks to persuade African governments and communities to accept new and different meanings of concepts of family, marriage and human sexuality." He also added that "the cultures of Africa are under heavy strain from liberalism, secularism and from lobbyists who squat at the United Nations."
Archbishop Tlhagale described the situation as "a second wave of colonization both subtle and ruthless at the same time."
Confronting the onslaught of African society requires a strong effort on the part of laity, said the South African prelate. By virtue of their Baptism, he explained, they "are expected to witness in the public square, in their families and places of work."
Unfortunately, he stated, "their Christian voice in the face of the many challenges in Africa, is weak, muffled or simply silent. The hierarchy is without credible partners in the work of the transformation of Africa. Lay Catholics need to be given a voice in order to stand up and be counted for their Catholic faith. The hierarchy cannot do it alone."
Archbishop Joseph Tlhagale of Johannesburg, South Africa said this morning at the Synod for Africa that the continent faces a "second wave of colonization" from "liberalism, secularism and from lobbyists who squat at the United Nations."
The South African archbishop began his five-minute intervention by noting that moral values are "embedded in the diverse African cultures," and that, "alongside the Gospel values, are threatened by the new global ethic."
This ethic, he said, "aggressively seeks to persuade African governments and communities to accept new and different meanings of concepts of family, marriage and human sexuality." He also added that "the cultures of Africa are under heavy strain from liberalism, secularism and from lobbyists who squat at the United Nations."
Archbishop Tlhagale described the situation as "a second wave of colonization both subtle and ruthless at the same time."
Confronting the onslaught of African society requires a strong effort on the part of laity, said the South African prelate. By virtue of their Baptism, he explained, they "are expected to witness in the public square, in their families and places of work."
Unfortunately, he stated, "their Christian voice in the face of the many challenges in Africa, is weak, muffled or simply silent. The hierarchy is without credible partners in the work of the transformation of Africa. Lay Catholics need to be given a voice in order to stand up and be counted for their Catholic faith. The hierarchy cannot do it alone."
Church’s voice stronger than any lie or manipulation, says cardinal
Vatican City, Oct 8, 2009 (CNA).-
The president of the Council of Episcopal Conferences of Europe, Cardinal Peter Erdö, said this week that although the Church’s voice often does not make the front page, it is always “stronger than any other noise, lie, propaganda or manipulation.”
During his remarks at the Synod of Bishops of Africa, the cardinal underscored that “Christ is the light of the world. He also illuminates the shadows of human history, and no darkness, no hatred, no evil can overcome him. In Him is our hope.”
“Although the voice of the Church and the testimony of each Christian seems weak, although that voice does not often make the front page of the major newspapers, this subtle voice is stronger than any noise, lie, propaganda or manipulation. We are witnesses of the strength of the martyrs,” he said.
“We Catholics of Europe,” the cardinal continued, “have learned from our history to be attentive to the destiny of African Christians, and we have learned as well to appreciate your fidelity, your testimony and the African martyrs who give lives—year after year in troubling numbers—for Christ and for His Church, and for us as well.”
“The Church in Africa deserves our gratitude and our profound esteem,” he said in conclusion.
The president of the Council of Episcopal Conferences of Europe, Cardinal Peter Erdö, said this week that although the Church’s voice often does not make the front page, it is always “stronger than any other noise, lie, propaganda or manipulation.”
During his remarks at the Synod of Bishops of Africa, the cardinal underscored that “Christ is the light of the world. He also illuminates the shadows of human history, and no darkness, no hatred, no evil can overcome him. In Him is our hope.”
“Although the voice of the Church and the testimony of each Christian seems weak, although that voice does not often make the front page of the major newspapers, this subtle voice is stronger than any noise, lie, propaganda or manipulation. We are witnesses of the strength of the martyrs,” he said.
“We Catholics of Europe,” the cardinal continued, “have learned from our history to be attentive to the destiny of African Christians, and we have learned as well to appreciate your fidelity, your testimony and the African martyrs who give lives—year after year in troubling numbers—for Christ and for His Church, and for us as well.”
“The Church in Africa deserves our gratitude and our profound esteem,” he said in conclusion.
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