A delegation of Catholic Bishops meeting with the State President, Mr Ramaphosa, assured him that the church is committed to working with all people of goodwill towards the renewal of South African society.
The Bishops representing the Southern Catholic Bishops Conference at their bi-annual plenary session met with the president at Mahlamba Ndlopfa on January 23. The meeting was requested by the Bishops Conference. The Bishops informed the President that the Church will present a new national pastoral plan engaging all committed Catholics to exercise their faith and their competencies at the service of the whole national community.
The meeting was characterised by a warm and friendly exchange as both President and the Church realise that at this moment South Africa faces a nation-wide challenge. While there is crisis in the economy it is also clear that the citizens need to be offered by the Church a foundation in spiritual values such as an awareness of the priority of the common good rather than seeking personal entitlement.
The President and the Bishops shared their concerns regarding unemployment, homelessness, migration, youth and for integrity and honesty in all areas of public administration and delivery.
The President appreciated the work of the Church and was very aware of the efforts of the Catholic Church over the centuries to serve the nation and especially the poor in worship, social care, education and also in its huge contribution in face of the scourge of HIV-AIDS.
+S. Sipuka – Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference President
For more information kindly contact: Archbishop W. Slattery OFM – +27 83 468 5473, E-mail: slatteryws@gmail.com