At Christmas, Southern Africa’s Catholic Bishops Call for “new humanity brought about by Jesus” amid Global Challenges

They describe Christmas as a joyful season because it celebrates “God becoming human,” reopening the possibility of union between God and humanity. 

“Like a child separated from its mother, we should be happy at the prospect of finally being united with our God,” the three-nation Catholic Bishops say in the statement that their President, Bishop Sithembele Sipuka, signed.

They recognize the “increasing difficulty in living a truly human life amid dehumanizing practices and systemic injustices” and emphasize, “Jesus came to show us the right way of being human.”

SACBC members decry modern forms of slavery, including global economic disparities that they say marginalize billions of people. They cite “stark statistics”, noting that the ten wealthiest individuals collectively own more wealth than 3.1 billion people at the bottom of the wealth pyramid.

“The present form of globalization is exclusive,” the Catholic Church leaders say, adding, “It promises economic growth for all but benefits only a few, mainly in Europe and America.”

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They echo the calls of recent Popes for a globalization of solidarity, inclusion, and sympathy rather than one driven by indifference and exclusion.

Reflecting on global conflicts, SACBC members condemn the disproportionate response of Israel to Hamas attacks, which they say has led to the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians, including women and children.

“While Hamas’ actions are unacceptable, Israel’s heavy-handed response is totally inhumane,” Catholic Bishops in Botswana, Eswatini, and South Africa say, and agree with Pope Francis’ declaration that the violent conflicts are “beyond morality.”

In their Christmas 2024 message, SACBC members also weigh in on local challenges, including the rise in gender-based violence, family murders, and economic extortions in areas like Mthatha.

These vices, they say, reflect a loss of humanity. As a way forward, SACBC members emphasize the need to foster the African philosophy of “ubuntu”, which refers to sense of interconnectedness and shared humanity as a foundation for rebuilding society.

“Jesus calls us back to ubuntu, which forms the stem of our identity as abantu, but which we have replaced with animality in our behavior,” the three-nation Catholic Bishops say.

They implore, “As we celebrate Christmas, let us allow Christ’s light to shine in our hearts and communities, transforming the world into a place of true unity and peace.”

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.