Vatican
City, 20 February 2013
(VIS) – "Governance, Common Good, and Democratic Transitions
in Africa" is the title of the Pastoral Letter prepared by the
Symposium of Episcopal Conferences in Africa and Madagascar
(SECAM)―the organization
gathering all the Catholic bishops of that continent―presented
in Accra, Ghana by Cardinal Polycarp Pengo, archbishop of
Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania and president of SECAM.
The
Pastoral Letter, following after Benedict XVI's post-synodal
Apostolic Exhortation "Africae Munus", emphasized that "the
Church cannot remain indifferent and isolated in the face of Africa’s
socio-political and economic challenges, and notes that "the
common good, the respect for human rights, and the promotion of good
government are essential elements of the Gospel message."
Recalling
the Church's prophetic mission, the text states that "the
justice that the prophets demanded is not abstract; it is very
practical, down-to-earth actions, which take place to ensure that the
weak are protected from abuse, that the poor have what they need, and
that the socially disadvantaged are cared for. It means giving to
everyone what God has intended for them regardless of any
distinction."
The
document also comments on the lack of work in many African countries,
observing that "The drama of immigration, with a growing number
of young people who risk their lives to leave Africa, reflects the
depth of the malaise of a continent that is still dragging its feet
to provide favourable conditions for the blossoming of her sons and
daughters." Also, "the situation of women is another cause
for worry. It is SECAM's view that women and men are of equal dignity
in their humanity before God, both were created in the image and
likeness of God. Therefore we should ensure that all are given the
opportunity to play their "specific role in the Church and in
society at large."
In
regard to good governance in Africa, the bishops of SECAM launched an
appeal to all of Africa's political leaders and governments "to
see poverty eradication as a priority by using proceeds from the
continent's sub-soil natural resources, such as land, and forestry
for the development of your countries for the benefit of the whole
nation and all its citizens. We implore you not to undermine the
fight against corruption. Corruption is a canker destroying our
nations."
"The
Church," reads the Pastoral Letter, "has been at the heart
of all efforts towards better governance. In many countries, during
the delicate democratic transitional period of the 1990s, the Church
played a clearly visible role of support. Five out of the eight
National Transitional Conferences that were organized during this
epoch were chaired by Catholic Bishops. This intervention by the
Church helped, in many cases, to ensure peaceful democratic
transitional processes with a lot of success, through inclusive
consultations and dialogue. Many Christians in some volatile
situations helped in bringing about peace and reconciliation. The
Church has to take her responsibilities in the socio-political
domain. She has to be fully involved in the in-depth transformation
of our society."
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