The Angolan Catholic Archbishop attributed the incident to poverty among young people, who may falsely believe they can obtain valuables from churches to sell in an attempt to alleviate their economic struggles.
“All of this certainly stems from the hardship our youth face. They thought they would find goods to sell, to obtain financial resources. But they were mistaken, because churches only have liturgical materials, and it seems that in one church, they took altar clothes, and in the other, they took some microphones. It was all in vain,” the Catholic Church leader said.
The Angolan member of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) expressed concern about the potential for violent confrontations between the robbers and the security personnel responsible for protecting the churches, warning that such altercations could lead to fatalities.
“Imagine if this youth had encountered the security forces. Many parishes are protected, with personnel safeguarding the churches and the homes of the missionaries and Priests,” he said.
Archbishop Zeca continued, “If such an encounter had occurred, it could have led to fatalities, the loss of human lives. As a Church, this is something we can never accept, because the value of human life is above all else, absolutely above all.”
“Therefore, I strongly discourage these youths … do not steal, especially not in the church,” he emphasized, adding, “Seek to earn your living with honesty, finding dignified work, even if it requires much effort and sacrifice. You will always find something, and it is better than risking your life.”
Archbishop Zeca called for togetherness and collaboration to steer youth away from delinquency and urged parents and guardians to play an active role in guiding young people.
“As Angolan citizens and pastors, especially the Priests and Nuns, we do not want this to happen in our society. Parents and grandparents must stay vigilant. They should be the first catechists, the first evangelizers, to prevent their children and grandchildren from engaging in such acts, which are harmful both to them and to the churches they target,” he said.
Archbishop Zeca reminded everyone that the Church is the House of God, deserving of respect and care.
“The church is a place where we find peace, spiritual solace, and an encounter with God. I challenge these young people to enter the church to pray. Their hearts will change, and they will become good people, good parents, and honest workers,” he said.
