Bishop Camuto went on to decry the gap between people’s titles and the impact of such titles to the Angolan society, saying, “We see countless ‘doctors’ across our nation, yet the country isn’t progressing.”
“On social media, it has become common to see people showcasing their diplomas, dressed in ceremonial gowns, yet some cannot even write correct Portuguese, displaying a fundamental lack of knowledge; but they are ‘doctors’; it’s absurd,” he noted.
Bishop Camuto further noted with concern that such self-promotion has become widespread. He said, “Many of us Christians behave like the Scribes; we hunger for power, seek to dominate others, crave flattery, and love to be adored. We want to be first, to be noticed, and to receive praise. Then on Sunday, we attend church and participate in groups, presenting ourselves as faithful Christians. But, in reality, we’re living a false faith, being false Christians just like the scribes.”
Turning his attention to more specific forms of vanity, Bishop Camuto highlighted the practice of altering one’s physical appearance as a form of self-aggrandizement.
“Many people wear false hair; it’s vanity. Some even lighten their skin, despite having a beautiful complexion. Some wear wigs, fake nails, and fake eyelashes; they go to great lengths to appear a certain way. But this only reflects the vanity of the Scribes, and it adds nothing of value to who they truly are,” he said.
The Local Ordinary of Caxito Diocese since his Episcopal Consecration in August 2020 challenged the people of God in Angola to strive for authenticity, emphasizing that God created each person beautifully.
“God made us, and when He looked at His creation, He saw that it was good. Yet, when you alter yourself, you disrupt what God has created. We have beautiful black skin; it’s one of the most beautiful qualities that exist,” he said.
He continued, “Our hair is naturally beautiful if we take care of it. But because we lack patience, we seek shortcuts. This desire for the artificial, be it fake hair, teeth, or anything else, is not the path Jesus would want for us.”
Bishop Camuto encouraged resistance to the pressures of modern society that promote superficiality and called upon Christians in Angola to reflect on the impact of these societal tendencies on their character and spiritual life.
According to him, genuine progress in Angola requires a shift away from a culture of flattery to one of authenticity, humility, and competence.
