Nairobi, 22 May, 2023 / 12:41 pm (ACI Africa).
Adopting the spirit of “Ubuntu”, which is defined by the sense of belonging and the connectedness between people, can go a long way in resolving challenges in relationships across the globe, the leadership of the African region of the World Catholic Association for Communication, SIGNIS Africa, has said.
In a reflection based on the Message of Pope Francis for the 57th World Communications Day, (WCD 2023) the President of SIGNIS Africa relates “Ubuntu” with explains the theme of the Sunday, May 21 event, “Speaking with the heart: The truth in love” (Eph 4:15).
“The Pope's invitation to speak with the heart can be best understood through the prism of the word ‘Ubuntu' which denotes the connectedness that exists or should exist between people,” Fr. Walter Chikwendu Ihejirika says in his May 21 reflection.
The spirit of Ubuntu, Fr. Ihejirika says, refers to “correct behavior in relations with other people, that is, behaving well towards others or acting in ways that benefit the community.”
Ubuntu also refers “to the need for forgiveness and reconciliation rather than vengeance. When a person behaves in these ways, he or she is said to have ubuntu. Having Ubuntu makes one a full person,” the member of the Clergy of Nigeria’s Ahiara Diocese explains.