Pastoral Statement on Corruption
A Call to Examine Ourselves in the Widespread Practice of Corruption
A Pastoral Letter from the Catholic Bishops of Southern Africa
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Your Bishops, gathered in the August Plenary Session of the Conference in Mariannhill, expressed their desire that we give greater attention to the damage caused in society and in the church by rampant corruption, and encourage all to work towards its eradication.
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand fast therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1)
These words of St Paul call us anew to strive with all our power to become truly free in Christ. St. John Chrysostom reminds us that we can very easily become enslaved to money and in that way the freedom Jesus has won for us becomes meaningless.
Pope Francis has pointed out in a recent sermon that corruption is worse than other sins, because of the way in which it becomes a habit that hardens the heart; so much so that we become insensitive to the signs of the times and the invitations of God’s grace.
Referring to the works of the night, St. Paul calls us to cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light so as to conduct ourselves in the daylight of Christ’s truth. (Rom 13: 12, 13).
“O House of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord.” (Isaiah 2:5)
