Cardinal Brislin warns: Poverty in South Africa is an unbearable scandal!

Cardinal Brislin warns: Poverty in South Africa is an unbearable scandal!

Issues such as poverty and social division are more relevant than ever in South Africa - and Cardinal Stephen Brislin, Archbishop of Johannesburg, is sounding the alarm. His clear message: The increasing poverty in this country is a “scandal” that no one should accept. “We should be outraged by the level of poverty in our country,” said Brislin, who was recently elected head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Southern Africa. The shocking living conditions of many people in huts must not become normal, as the cardinal emphasized in an urgent call to action Vatican News reported.

Joint efforts needed

Brislin calls for strong collaboration across faith communities to address this pressing issue. “The problem is too big for a single group to solve,” the cardinal said. He sees the need for churches, interreligious organizations, the government and political parties to work together for the common good. An approach that must also overcome South Africa's long history of racial segregation and inequality. Instead of seeing people by race or ethnicity, everyone must learn to see the humanity in each individual. “If we can help people see each other’s humanity, we are on the path to a better society,” Brislin said. Also Kathpress pays attention to this issue and highlights the urgent need for action.

Despite the serious situation, the cardinal also shows that there are bright spots: the younger generations in particular offer hope. Schools where children from different backgrounds learn together could be the key to overcoming social barriers. Brislin calls on churches to lead the way in bringing the community together: “We must strive in our parishes to welcome people into the family of the church.” He emphasizes the importance of personal encounters and the responsible use of social media so that the church does not become an anonymous, digital institution. The message is clear: if society is to change, every individual must be willing to do their part.