By Wesley Omondi
KWAZULU-NATAL, AUGUST 14, 2024 (CISA) – The Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) convened at the Mariannhill Centre in KwaZulu-Natal from August 5 to 9, 2024, for their bi-annual plenary session. The meeting, which took place under the theme “A Synodal Church in Mission,” was inspired by the ongoing Synod on Synodality (2021-2024).
The Catholic Bishops of Botswana, Eswatini, and South Africa expressed their appreciation for the leadership and guidance of Pope Francis, particularly welcoming the appointment of Archbishop Henryk Jagodziński as the Apostolic Nuncio.
“We are deeply grateful to the Holy Father for his continued support and the appointment of Archbishop Jagodziński, whose presence and address at our plenary session were both encouraging and enlightening,” said Cardinal Stephen Brislin, the newly elected President of the SACBC.
During the session, the bishops committed to further discussing several pressing issues raised by SACBC’s outgoing president, Bishop Sithembele Sipuka. Among the top concerns was the alarming rise in alcohol and substance abuse among young people. The bishops emphasized the need for stricter laws regulating the sale of liquor. They called for a broader discussion on the potential revision of existing laws and even parts of the Constitution.
“The increase in alcohol and substance abuse among our youth is deeply troubling. We must explore every possible avenue, including legislative changes, to address this crisis,” stated Bishop Sipuka.
The bishops also discussed the ordination of women to the diaconate, acknowledging that while this is a global issue, it requires careful study and reflection within their local context. They noted that the conversation on this topic is expected to continue as the Church seeks to address the evolving needs and roles within the community.
“The question of ordaining women as deacons is one that demands thoughtful consideration and discernment. We recognize the significance of this issue and are committed to further exploration,” noted Archbishop Zolile Mpambani SCJ, the 1st Vice-President of the SACBC.
Another key topic of discussion was the concept of Viri Probati, which refers to the ordination of married men of proven virtue. Faced with the declining number of vocations to the priesthood, the bishops believe that this matter warrants renewed attention and discernment.
“As we face a decrease in priestly vocations, it is vital that we revisit and thoroughly examine the viability of Viri Probati,” said Archbishop Mandla Jwara CMM, the 2nd Vice-President of the SACBC.
In response to recent political developments in South Africa and the disappointments of the past 30 years of democracy, the SACBC called for a national dialogue, emphasizing the need for a reflective and inclusive discourse on the country’s future.
“Our nation is at a crossroads, and we must come together to engage in meaningful dialogue about our collective future,” urged Bishop Sipuka.
The bishops also expressed their displeasure at the ridiculing of the Last Supper during the opening of the Paris Olympic Games. They called on Catholics and Christians not to be discouraged by such mockery but to remain steadfast in their faith.
“This mockery of our sacred beliefs is deeply hurtful, but we must not allow it to shake our faith,” Cardinal Brislin affirmed.
The session concluded with discussions on Catholic Higher Education, led by Cardinal Brislin, who revealed the Task Team on Catholic Higher Education is working towards creating an Integrated Catholic Institute of Higher Education to establish synergy among the three existing Institutes of Higher Education.
“Our goal is to form a unified and integrated Catholic Institute that will serve as a beacon of academic excellence and spiritual growth,” Cardinal Brislin said.
The bishops also welcomed the election of their new leadership, with Cardinal Brislin assuming the presidency, alongside Archbishop Mpambani and Archbishop Jwara as Vice-Presidents. The new leadership will officially take up their roles at the close of the January 2025 Plenary Session.
