I WISH I WERE BORN A LION!
God, I wish I was born a lion cub in the Maasai-Mara game reserve!
I would be well protected by tough rangers so that my specie never disappears from the face of the earth.
Millions of dollars would have been poured from around the world just to keep me alive so that generations and generations may see me and enjoy their sight in the name of wildlife conservation.
Oh! How much would I have caught the attention of thousands of tourists from all over the world just to see how I look like in real life!
I would have become such a great movie star like the “Lion King”!
Oh God, What a curse for me!
Instead of a famous lion in the wild, I was born a baby of so-called “human” animal that I’ve found, at times, more animal than brother lion in Maasai-Mara!
My protection is not such a big deal, anyway!
There is so little money to care about my basic needs!
My life has little value, or none whatsoever. Dead or alive, it does not bother anybody!
My childhood is violated and stolen from me so early.
Street is my homeless home! There in the heat, in the cold and rain, I am battered like a repugnant deadly snake!
I am slipped into loose uniforms cut out for big brothers, pushed to carry heavy guns and fight wars I have never understood. I walk miles and miles, and hungry, I smoke what I saw big brothers smoking… and I forget that I am alive! Who cares, anyway!
I am suffering from a severe love and care starvation!
My worst foes are not lions in Maasai-Mara, they are “human animals” like you and I!
Little dogs have no toys but they are enjoying life better than I!
I cry when I hear that beautiful song sung by Mike Jackson: “We are the world, we are the children!” Why don’t you wake up Mike Jackson and sing it one more time for me!
Am I truly the world? I wonder if I were the world, why should my nights be full of nightmares? If I were the world, why is my life such a broken dream with no hope for a better tomorrow?
JESUS AND THE CHILDREN
The first best gift our children deserve is love; then, the rest. Remove the first and then the rest would remain hanging walls with no foundation. Jesus welcomed children with love and blessed them: “…Let the Children alone and do not stop them from coming to me; for it is to such as these that the Kingdom of heaven belongs” (Mat. 19: 13-14).
Earlier on, in chapter 18, verses 5 to 6, Jesus identified himself to children as he warned the adults for their duty of setting good examples for them: “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. But anyone who is the downfall of one of these little ones who have faith in me would be better drowned in the depths of the sea with a great millstone round his neck.”
The implications of these words of the Lord are obvious. When we reject children or mistreat them, we are doing so to no one else but Jesus Christ himself. We all have an ethical responsibility towards our children. We should ever strive to set a good model for them and avoid causing their downfall.
Are we still observing this warning? Haven’t we become wolves to our children? Those parents called Christians have to follow the Master’s words in the way of treating their children. Let them stand as models for neighbours to follow.
CHILDREN’ RIGHTS
Most African countries are still wrestling with constitutional issues to come out from the jungle law set by long-life dictators and become legal States. Kenya crossed this stage last year, endorsing a new constitution for the country. We are now on the stage of gradual implementation; hoping that the process will go on without any blocks on the way.
I hope that our children’s rights are getting space within the legal framework. The privileged place Christ gave them will be recovered not only by the observance of the law but above all by the love we have for our children.
Children are a gift from God received through parents, who continuing the work of procreation given them by God at the beginning of history. So as gifts, they are accepted with no condition or discrimination, whether they are handicapped or have any behavioural defects that may affect the parents.
No child, including parents who were children at a certain point of their lives, ever negotiated his face, shape, character, time of birth or parents through whom he/she was supposed to be born. It is therefore a great responsibility for parents to welcome children the way they are born, without causing them any wounding prejudice that would affect negatively their process of growth.
A newborn has all the potential to grow as a human person but he/she starts life like any other living animal created by God. The natural, biological and instinctive functions are first at play before the gradual evolvement of the cultural, rational and intuitive functions. Becoming human is therefore a project and process entrusted into the hands of parents and various educators as the child grow up.
Do we have to cut and paste rights as practiced in the West?
It is wise that when one gets a packet, he should open it and proceed by selecting what is useful and what is not. The Western application has serious loopholes requiring a re-examination of children’s rights with regard to fundamental duties of every human person in the process of growth.
Because of the fundamental role of parents in helping the process of transformation from the natural animal to the cultural human being, we think that any sound notion of children’s rights should never jeopardize parents’ authority and guidance. There is a tendency that is making of children little adults who have too many rights that they have become the ones dictating to parents what they are supposed to do for them. Children do not have the psychological maturity to assess a situation a make the right decisions. They have to be trained by those who have undergone the experience before them.
When children can have their parents arrested for petty whims, then they have taken over their parents’ place. A child who is stronger than his parents has no reason to respect them anymore. He/she thinks everything is permitted and becomes simply a bully and selfish person who have everything the way he wills! Such an attitude is not only dangerous for the society as such but even for the very law that’s granting them such rights. We are training selfish persons who will bend laws to their personal interests. Limits are necessary for a sound growth of every human person.
Children’s right with no strong families are again walls with no foundations. As we grow aware that our children should be legally protected, it is imperative that we strive for the betterment of the parents’ life conditions. Parents who cannot afford to raise their children with the meagre means they earn are already impeded to guarantee some of the rights of their children.
Countries’ resources should be fairly distributed among all the work force; a bigger share is usually destined to the few at the top of our countries while the majority is left with scraps to survive with. Too many rights unaccompanied with love weaken the family ties as spouses and children indulge in seeking their rights fulfilled instead of giving themselves fully for the growth of their families.
Behind strong family ties we see the love driving parents to look for the benefit of their children. Normally when people love each other, they care and observe each other’s rights without even thinking of any theoretical discourse; things flow out naturally out of love. It is often when love is over that human beings begin to turn against each other in a destructive manner. Lost in the passion of hate, our judgment becomes biased and some sort of a positive reference is needed in order to establish some justice beyond our biases and prejudices. A parent who does not love his child for any reason, this happens in real life experience, needs to be reminded of the duties that are still his/hers for the growth of that child who did not negotiate to have him/her as parent.
The most important thing for us is to strike a balance between what we consider a defected notion of rights that consecrates the reign of the children over their parents; and a sound notion of rights that creates more consideration, more respect to our children without putting in jeopardy the guiding and instructive role of the parents. The latter should have the rights to use their positive creativity in dealing with specific characters of their children and responding adequately to the needs of growth of each one of them as individual beings.
A more stubborn child needs to be dealt with differently than an obedient or a meeker one. No one can direct him/herself from childhood to adulthood without parental assistance in whichever way it may be. The child does not raise his parents; he is raised by them and this fundamental position should not be reversed by any constitution if we care about making sound human beings for the human community.
This is where Africa, on matters of children’s rights, could make a difference with the West, unless we want to get out of Hollywood fiction and create true “Tarzans” raised in jungle standards! Parents! Do not leave your homestead unilaterally run by lawyers and politicians! Stand up for your responsibility when lawyers cross the line and force you to destroy your homes with misleading notions of rights.
You need Institutions that help you to build your families and raise your children according to sound human and Christian standards! The biblical wisdom reminds us that “the law was made for man and not man for the law; and that the son of man is master even of the law” (Mark 2: 27-28).
Fr Nhessy Iland IMC
Friday, June 17, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
INTERVIEW WITH FR. PASCHAL MWAMBI MWAKIO ON BIOETHICS ISSUES
VATICAN RADIO
1. I have pleasure of welcoming Fr. Paschal Mwambi Mwakio from Mombasa Archdiocese in Kenya who is a student specialising in Bioethics at Regina Apostolorum in Rome. Father Pascal welcome to the programme on Marriage and Family Life.
Good morning listener, I am happy to be at the Vatican radio studio.
2. Fr. Paschal could you please tell our listeners why you are interested in studying Bioethics?
First of all bioethics has been of interest to me because I was in the same university before I became a priest, when these special studies were introduced at Queen of Apostles University, back in 2001. Secondly, my interest in bioethics is because it affects real life issues, and these challenges face each and every person, family and the society at large. Third, I want to help people know the Church teaching on these issues.
3. What does the term bioethics mean? Please explain in simple language.
Bioethics is first of all the understanding of changes and progress brought about by science and technology in the area of medicine, health and diseases, and how this has affected human life, improved it, worsened it or how this destroys human life.
4. What themes are related to bioethics or discussed in bioethics?
Themes in the area of bioethics include some of the following: when life of a human person really begins? Who is to be considered a human being, those who are born or those not yet born? Can sick children not yet born be allowed to live if the diseases they suffer from cannot be cured? How can people who cannot have children on their own be helped to have children? Can children be produced in the laboratory without the sexual act and outside the mother’s womb while selecting what kind of a child one wants to have? How about the old and those critically sick, can they be considered as people who need to live or who should be helped to die so that they do not continue to suffer? Should the critically ill be killed to save money, resources and time for others. Suppose some of the elements or organs needed to heal some diseases are found on other live human beings including unborn children, is it possible to make use of them. Can body organs like the kidney, liver etc, be removed from another person and transferred to a sick person anytime, without agreement and sold for profit? Criteria of respect for life, healthy organs, minimum risks, rejection of organs, charity, and certified death in case of dead donor (among others) need to be considered. These questions and problems raised may be solved technically because of progress made by science. But the main bioethical affirmation is that, not all that which is technically possible in this current world is to be accepted unless this really respects human life in all its stages from conception till natural death. And on issues of children, marriage is the right place to beget them through the sexual union between a man and woman of the same marriage. Any technical solution by science to replace this conjugal right or to manipulate human life is unacceptable.
5. What is the foundation of bioethics? Is it only proposed by Catholics or Christian believers?
Bioethics has the person, that is the human being as the point of focus. Every human being is a person with the same dignity from birth. One does not need to be a Catholic or non Catholic, Christian or non Christian to know by his mind and correct use of reason that respecting life of any person is necessary. Some of the very important rights like the right to life, is not created by any government or created by any religion. Such rights are universal, written in our conscience, and in our hearts, and are therefore found in our nature. Every human being including the unborn, the mentally sick, people in coma, the terminally ill and the old have the same dignity even when others fail to recognize this truth. Religion reveals to us something more than our minds can see or understand. To be a believer is an added advantage. If my religion as a Christian teaches me that life is a precious gift and that I am created in the image of God, then I have more reason to respect my life and that of others. Human life comes before religion and before governments, it is upon it other rights, and values are built. Yet our life transcends, goes beyond all these. God is the author of human life and him alone has the power over our life.
6. Why is it necessary for “ordinary” Christians to know about bioethics?
Bioethics issues affect everybody and for the ordinary Christian it is important to respect the way of life of Christ himself who is the way, life and truth. Christianity teaches that God is the author of life. Ordinary Christians need to know about bioethics so that in any thing they do to improve their life, their health, and that of others; or in anything they do to cure illnesses and diseases respects not only one’s own life, but that of others too. This is only possible if we are aware of the help or problems caused by science and technology.
7. What are some of the complicated bioethics issues? Can you give some examples of diseases or conditions which may affect our family life or bring into conflict our Christian values?
Some of the complicated issues in bioethics are in the area of early stages of the child’s development. Discovering diseases affecting children before they are born is recommendable work yet not without complications. This process may involve producing the unborn child in the laboratory without respecting the normal process of how a child begins his or her life, that is, by skipping the sexual act between a husband and his wife. Thus, artificial fertilization involves complicated issues of overproducing human life (embryos - to increase chances of attaining a child), involves loss of life of the embryos which are considered unfit or affected by genetic diseases, preservation of extra human life in freezers approximately (-190°) etc. If a very serious disease is discovered before the child is born, the parent(s) are found in a difficult situation. An example of such conditions is what is called Down syndrome. This condition has no cure just like many other discovered diseases before birth, and the child may be born with serious disabilities. Common features of such children include a small rounded head, small fingers, oval shaped eyes, short structure and mental disability. In other diseases the child may even die after a few days. What are the parents going to do? Accept the sick child or eliminate the child? The doctor may give an advise to them, but whose decision should the parents follow? In case the disease discovered can be cured, then that will be of benefit to the child’s life, the parents and society.
8. What does bioethics teach or what does the Church teach its members to do in situation like a woman expecting a child who has Down syndrome?
Not all bioethics views represent the teaching of the church. Thus, it is important to get the official views through the right authority. A Down syndrome person is to be respected and protected like any other health child or person. Although a down baby may not be able to exercise all the mental and physical faculties, this does not make this child less a human being. A child is a gift from God and his/her life needs to be respected and welcome from the beginning. Pregnant mothers are there fore encouraged to carry the pregnancy until birth. Doctors and those responsible should look for ways of revealing the truth about the condition of the child’s health while preparing to accompany them morally and spiritually. In case such pregnancies develop problems and there is a danger to the life of the mother, then all should be done by the doctors to help save both lives without disregarding the unborn baby. All the lives (mother’s and child’s) have the same dignity. Sometimes the unborn baby may perish in the process, but intentional killing or elimination is unacceptable and therefore should be avoided.
9. Bioethics is not all about condemnations of what is bad about science. Neither is it all about what is licit or illicit, good or bad, evil or good. Can you please elaborate this statement?
The church is not just against artificial things or processes which are not natural. The church appreciates the outcome of many problems solved by scientific progress in a respectful manner to the human dignity. Bioethics welcomes ways which can reduce human suffering or brings total healing to diseases without considering human life as an object or as a means to satisfy others. Bioethics therefore should not be seen as a discipline which is there to prevent progress or to condemn artificiality.
10. What would you say to families or persons who find it difficult to look after their beloved one suffering from conditions which arise from bioethical issues?
I would like to encourage all those people who are faced with these trying moments. They should not loose hope or doubt whether their beloved ones are still human beings in those conditions. Let them continue to love these suffering persons, care for them, clean them, feed them if this is possible and encourage them. Medication which is helpful to improve the health of the sick without heavy burden to the sick or to the family, and which proves to have the desired results should be offered. Sometimes there is nothing we can do to stop an immanent death which does not mean abandonment of the sick or causing death, but just accepting the will of God. Many times it is those taking care of the sick who get tired, or even wish to anticipate the death of the suffering people. Suffering is part of human nature and from it, positive values can come, for instance appreciation of life, our love, physical and emotional presence. In case the sick is able to talk, he or she may pronounce a word of love, pardon they never mentioned in the rest of their lives. Christians get strength from the sufferings of Christ who is the way, the truth and life. Suffering doesn’t have the last word, there is victory over death. No one has a right to kill oneself or to help the other die even if asked to do so by the sufferer.
11. What can you say to pastors or hospital chaplains dealing with the bioethical issues?
First and foremost, it is important to have the knowledge of bioethics in order to give the right advice in situations where need be. Bioethics committees in hospitals have become a necessary organ. Pastors and chaplains need to offer not only spiritual, moral, emotional support, but also real and practical counselling for the complicated clinical cases at hand. Knowledge of bioethics is helpful for them to counsel where necessary the relatives and the patients on the choices which are not only approved by the Church, but which respect life itself in whatever condition.
12. Is there anything else you would like to say on bioethical issues?
Bioethics is an interesting topic, but very challenging. It affects us on almost all life issues. It is important for our bishops to send some priests, religious and laity to specialise in bioethics issues so that we can promote the gospel of life in a developed world. The African continent cannot be left behind since technology has become global. It will be my joy to continue sharing with you more about bioethics and in details about the topics I have highlighted.
13. Thank you very much Fr. Paschal Mwambi Mwakio for sharing with us about bioethical issues and how we need to respond to various situations our families or individuals may find themselves. Thanks for sparing you time, and May God bless you always!
Thank you Fr Moses for this opportunity.
1. I have pleasure of welcoming Fr. Paschal Mwambi Mwakio from Mombasa Archdiocese in Kenya who is a student specialising in Bioethics at Regina Apostolorum in Rome. Father Pascal welcome to the programme on Marriage and Family Life.
Good morning listener, I am happy to be at the Vatican radio studio.
2. Fr. Paschal could you please tell our listeners why you are interested in studying Bioethics?
First of all bioethics has been of interest to me because I was in the same university before I became a priest, when these special studies were introduced at Queen of Apostles University, back in 2001. Secondly, my interest in bioethics is because it affects real life issues, and these challenges face each and every person, family and the society at large. Third, I want to help people know the Church teaching on these issues.
3. What does the term bioethics mean? Please explain in simple language.
Bioethics is first of all the understanding of changes and progress brought about by science and technology in the area of medicine, health and diseases, and how this has affected human life, improved it, worsened it or how this destroys human life.
4. What themes are related to bioethics or discussed in bioethics?
Themes in the area of bioethics include some of the following: when life of a human person really begins? Who is to be considered a human being, those who are born or those not yet born? Can sick children not yet born be allowed to live if the diseases they suffer from cannot be cured? How can people who cannot have children on their own be helped to have children? Can children be produced in the laboratory without the sexual act and outside the mother’s womb while selecting what kind of a child one wants to have? How about the old and those critically sick, can they be considered as people who need to live or who should be helped to die so that they do not continue to suffer? Should the critically ill be killed to save money, resources and time for others. Suppose some of the elements or organs needed to heal some diseases are found on other live human beings including unborn children, is it possible to make use of them. Can body organs like the kidney, liver etc, be removed from another person and transferred to a sick person anytime, without agreement and sold for profit? Criteria of respect for life, healthy organs, minimum risks, rejection of organs, charity, and certified death in case of dead donor (among others) need to be considered. These questions and problems raised may be solved technically because of progress made by science. But the main bioethical affirmation is that, not all that which is technically possible in this current world is to be accepted unless this really respects human life in all its stages from conception till natural death. And on issues of children, marriage is the right place to beget them through the sexual union between a man and woman of the same marriage. Any technical solution by science to replace this conjugal right or to manipulate human life is unacceptable.
5. What is the foundation of bioethics? Is it only proposed by Catholics or Christian believers?
Bioethics has the person, that is the human being as the point of focus. Every human being is a person with the same dignity from birth. One does not need to be a Catholic or non Catholic, Christian or non Christian to know by his mind and correct use of reason that respecting life of any person is necessary. Some of the very important rights like the right to life, is not created by any government or created by any religion. Such rights are universal, written in our conscience, and in our hearts, and are therefore found in our nature. Every human being including the unborn, the mentally sick, people in coma, the terminally ill and the old have the same dignity even when others fail to recognize this truth. Religion reveals to us something more than our minds can see or understand. To be a believer is an added advantage. If my religion as a Christian teaches me that life is a precious gift and that I am created in the image of God, then I have more reason to respect my life and that of others. Human life comes before religion and before governments, it is upon it other rights, and values are built. Yet our life transcends, goes beyond all these. God is the author of human life and him alone has the power over our life.
6. Why is it necessary for “ordinary” Christians to know about bioethics?
Bioethics issues affect everybody and for the ordinary Christian it is important to respect the way of life of Christ himself who is the way, life and truth. Christianity teaches that God is the author of life. Ordinary Christians need to know about bioethics so that in any thing they do to improve their life, their health, and that of others; or in anything they do to cure illnesses and diseases respects not only one’s own life, but that of others too. This is only possible if we are aware of the help or problems caused by science and technology.
7. What are some of the complicated bioethics issues? Can you give some examples of diseases or conditions which may affect our family life or bring into conflict our Christian values?
Some of the complicated issues in bioethics are in the area of early stages of the child’s development. Discovering diseases affecting children before they are born is recommendable work yet not without complications. This process may involve producing the unborn child in the laboratory without respecting the normal process of how a child begins his or her life, that is, by skipping the sexual act between a husband and his wife. Thus, artificial fertilization involves complicated issues of overproducing human life (embryos - to increase chances of attaining a child), involves loss of life of the embryos which are considered unfit or affected by genetic diseases, preservation of extra human life in freezers approximately (-190°) etc. If a very serious disease is discovered before the child is born, the parent(s) are found in a difficult situation. An example of such conditions is what is called Down syndrome. This condition has no cure just like many other discovered diseases before birth, and the child may be born with serious disabilities. Common features of such children include a small rounded head, small fingers, oval shaped eyes, short structure and mental disability. In other diseases the child may even die after a few days. What are the parents going to do? Accept the sick child or eliminate the child? The doctor may give an advise to them, but whose decision should the parents follow? In case the disease discovered can be cured, then that will be of benefit to the child’s life, the parents and society.
8. What does bioethics teach or what does the Church teach its members to do in situation like a woman expecting a child who has Down syndrome?
Not all bioethics views represent the teaching of the church. Thus, it is important to get the official views through the right authority. A Down syndrome person is to be respected and protected like any other health child or person. Although a down baby may not be able to exercise all the mental and physical faculties, this does not make this child less a human being. A child is a gift from God and his/her life needs to be respected and welcome from the beginning. Pregnant mothers are there fore encouraged to carry the pregnancy until birth. Doctors and those responsible should look for ways of revealing the truth about the condition of the child’s health while preparing to accompany them morally and spiritually. In case such pregnancies develop problems and there is a danger to the life of the mother, then all should be done by the doctors to help save both lives without disregarding the unborn baby. All the lives (mother’s and child’s) have the same dignity. Sometimes the unborn baby may perish in the process, but intentional killing or elimination is unacceptable and therefore should be avoided.
9. Bioethics is not all about condemnations of what is bad about science. Neither is it all about what is licit or illicit, good or bad, evil or good. Can you please elaborate this statement?
The church is not just against artificial things or processes which are not natural. The church appreciates the outcome of many problems solved by scientific progress in a respectful manner to the human dignity. Bioethics welcomes ways which can reduce human suffering or brings total healing to diseases without considering human life as an object or as a means to satisfy others. Bioethics therefore should not be seen as a discipline which is there to prevent progress or to condemn artificiality.
10. What would you say to families or persons who find it difficult to look after their beloved one suffering from conditions which arise from bioethical issues?
I would like to encourage all those people who are faced with these trying moments. They should not loose hope or doubt whether their beloved ones are still human beings in those conditions. Let them continue to love these suffering persons, care for them, clean them, feed them if this is possible and encourage them. Medication which is helpful to improve the health of the sick without heavy burden to the sick or to the family, and which proves to have the desired results should be offered. Sometimes there is nothing we can do to stop an immanent death which does not mean abandonment of the sick or causing death, but just accepting the will of God. Many times it is those taking care of the sick who get tired, or even wish to anticipate the death of the suffering people. Suffering is part of human nature and from it, positive values can come, for instance appreciation of life, our love, physical and emotional presence. In case the sick is able to talk, he or she may pronounce a word of love, pardon they never mentioned in the rest of their lives. Christians get strength from the sufferings of Christ who is the way, the truth and life. Suffering doesn’t have the last word, there is victory over death. No one has a right to kill oneself or to help the other die even if asked to do so by the sufferer.
11. What can you say to pastors or hospital chaplains dealing with the bioethical issues?
First and foremost, it is important to have the knowledge of bioethics in order to give the right advice in situations where need be. Bioethics committees in hospitals have become a necessary organ. Pastors and chaplains need to offer not only spiritual, moral, emotional support, but also real and practical counselling for the complicated clinical cases at hand. Knowledge of bioethics is helpful for them to counsel where necessary the relatives and the patients on the choices which are not only approved by the Church, but which respect life itself in whatever condition.
12. Is there anything else you would like to say on bioethical issues?
Bioethics is an interesting topic, but very challenging. It affects us on almost all life issues. It is important for our bishops to send some priests, religious and laity to specialise in bioethics issues so that we can promote the gospel of life in a developed world. The African continent cannot be left behind since technology has become global. It will be my joy to continue sharing with you more about bioethics and in details about the topics I have highlighted.
13. Thank you very much Fr. Paschal Mwambi Mwakio for sharing with us about bioethical issues and how we need to respond to various situations our families or individuals may find themselves. Thanks for sparing you time, and May God bless you always!
Thank you Fr Moses for this opportunity.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
OPINION: THE UGANDA MARTYRS: A Symbol of Ecumenism, Inter-Ethnic Harmony and African Unity
On 3rd June every year about one million people from all over Africa and from as far as USA, Germany and other parts of the world, flock to the Namugongo Shrine in Kampala-Uganda, to commemorate the 24 Catholic and 23 Anglican Uganda martyrs. I do not know of any other place on this continent which on a single day every year attracts such a huge gathering!
The Uganda martyrs are indeed a symbol of unity of God’s people regardless of creed, race, tribe, colour or nationality.
These heroes who shed their blood for Christ came from different tribes of Uganda. Both Catholics and Protestants were stentenced together to death, bundled together and burnt alive together. There is no greater symbol of unity and ecumenism than this!
Belonging to different denominations and tribes was no cause of division and hatred among them! The love they had for Christ did not allow this to happen. In life and death they love each other. As in their earthly life they served the same king, Kabaka Mwanga who killed them, in their faith with extraordinary love they served the one God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the creator of the universe.
The worst desease we have on the African continent is not the incurable AIDS but chronic tribalism or negative ethnicity.
Tribalism has deep roots in every country of Africa from Libya in the North to South Africa and Zimbabwe in the South. From Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi in the East to Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) in the West! Because tribalism has found a comfortable home in our political parties and governments, and unfortunately in our churches too, it is a constant source of conflict and instability on the continent.
When one tribe tries to dominate others, to reduce them to salves or second class citizens, conflict is inevitable! In war torn Libya, the political dominance of one tribe is partly to blame for the on going conflict there. The recent civil war in Côte d’Ivoire is the fruit of tribalism, the 2007-2008 Kenya violence is also a fruit of negative ethnicity, the 1994 Rwanda genocide and the bloody histories of Uganda, Burundi and Democratic Republic of Congo are work of tribalism!
In the Uganda martyrs we find the medicine and vaccination against this negative ethnicity. These martyrs who lived together harmoniously and worked together in peace in the king’s palace originated from different ethnic groups! For example : Mathias Mulumba was a Musoga by tribe, Charles Lwanga was a Muganda by tribe and Andrew Kagwa was a Munyoro by tribe, and in the palace he was loving and jokingly called «Munyoro!»
So God in his kindness gave us these martyrs from different tribes to teach us that although we are from different ethnic groups, were are all his childred and he loves us equally. We should therefore love one another and live in harmony and peace as children of the same Father. He gave the grace of martyrdom equally to people of diverse ethnic groups. Before him we are all equal!
In fact these martyrs are a great gift not only to Uganda and East Africa but also to Africa as whole. For they have already started working out the miracle we are all longing to see, namely : regional and continental union of Africa! On 3 June, pilgrims from all over East Africa go to Namugongo! Many walk all the way from Mombasa-Kenya to Kampala! So Namugongo Shrine is a place of unity for the East Africans.
At the continental level the unity of Africa is also visible at the martyrs Shrine Namugongo! For people from all over Africa are represented there! This year for example the following are some of the countries from where the pilgrims came : Nigeria, Zambia, Malawi, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa and Southern Sudan.
And it is very interesting to note that the Preacher at the Anglican Martyrs’ Shrine was Pastor Steven Mwangi from Kenya. And last year the Preacher was also from outside of Uganda, he was Dr. Chad Gandiya the Bishop of Harare Church of the Province of Central Africa. This is really very good. And I request the Catholics to follow suit! They could organize in such a way that the preacher comes from outside of Uganda. These martyrs are for the whole of Africa and beyond.
And since both the Catholic and Protestant martyrs lived to gether and were killed together, I propose and appeal to the Catholic and Protestant Bishops in Uganda to make arrangements so that at least every two years we have a joint martyrs’ day celebration! This will enable us relive the ecumenical spirit of the Uganda martyrs! And it might eventually lead to total union.
In the years between the joint commemoration, Catholics and Protestants should send representatives to each other’s celebrations.
With the prayers for the beatification of the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, the first President of Tanzania, taking place every year at Namugongo Shrine, the Uganda martyrs are gaining political importance. The prayers are organized by Maria Nyerere the wife of the late President Nyerere in coordination with the Tanzanian and Ugandan governments and the Catholic Church in both countries. Last year the President of Tanzania himself Kikwete was present at the prayers!
Like last year President Museveni attended this year’s prayers for Nyerere. And he took this ocassion to inform the world that Nyerere was the greatest African that ever lived. The Ugandan news paper the New Vision, thus reported him saying, «I am happy when I speak of Nyerere because I am his supporter. I said he was the greatest black man that ever lived. There are other black men such as Mandela, Kwame Nkrumah; but Nyerere is the greatest black man that ever lived.» And in addition he said, «we shall continue coming to Namugongo to pray for the beatification and finally for the Mwalimu’s canonization. If we continue knocking and asking, Rome will open for us.»
The importance of the Uganda martyrs to Africa and the whole world, challages the political establishment in Uganda to do more on the beautification, maintance and protection of both the Catholic and Protestant Shrines! For this is an international ground now!
I am happy Museveni is clearly aware of this international nature of Namugongo. For last year 2010, he made important promises relative to the two Shrines. He celebrated the martyrs’ day with our Anglican brothers and sisters. Of his financial promise to the Church of Uganda, the Ugandan news paper the New Vision reported, «Museveni pledged sh100m towards the beautification of the martyrs’ site to match the standards of the side of the Catholic Church. He caused laughter when he said the bush behind the martyrs’ shrine was cursing the Church of Uganda. He asked the clergy to clear it.» For the Catholics among other things he pledge sh229m for the construction of a perimeter wall aroung the church.
I propose that the government of Uganda secures according to the laws of justice, all the land in between and around the two shrines and encircle them in one single well constructed stone- fence. This will make security easier for the place. And strong big gates like those on olympic stadiums could be constructed along the fence for getting in and out to reduced the chaos and stampede at Namugongo. And there will be enough room inside for the ever growing number of pilgrims.
As we continue to honour and commemorate the Uganda martyrs every year, may our Lord Jesus Christ through their intercession answer the prayers and needs of all those who go to Namugongo to pray. May he through their intercession protect and guide our religious and political leaders. And shower his blessing upon all people, believers and non believers of every race, colour, tribe and nationality under the sun.
Dominic Vincent Nkoyoyo
Monastery Val Notre-Dame, Canada.
The Uganda martyrs are indeed a symbol of unity of God’s people regardless of creed, race, tribe, colour or nationality.
These heroes who shed their blood for Christ came from different tribes of Uganda. Both Catholics and Protestants were stentenced together to death, bundled together and burnt alive together. There is no greater symbol of unity and ecumenism than this!
Belonging to different denominations and tribes was no cause of division and hatred among them! The love they had for Christ did not allow this to happen. In life and death they love each other. As in their earthly life they served the same king, Kabaka Mwanga who killed them, in their faith with extraordinary love they served the one God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the creator of the universe.
The worst desease we have on the African continent is not the incurable AIDS but chronic tribalism or negative ethnicity.
Tribalism has deep roots in every country of Africa from Libya in the North to South Africa and Zimbabwe in the South. From Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi in the East to Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) in the West! Because tribalism has found a comfortable home in our political parties and governments, and unfortunately in our churches too, it is a constant source of conflict and instability on the continent.
When one tribe tries to dominate others, to reduce them to salves or second class citizens, conflict is inevitable! In war torn Libya, the political dominance of one tribe is partly to blame for the on going conflict there. The recent civil war in Côte d’Ivoire is the fruit of tribalism, the 2007-2008 Kenya violence is also a fruit of negative ethnicity, the 1994 Rwanda genocide and the bloody histories of Uganda, Burundi and Democratic Republic of Congo are work of tribalism!
In the Uganda martyrs we find the medicine and vaccination against this negative ethnicity. These martyrs who lived together harmoniously and worked together in peace in the king’s palace originated from different ethnic groups! For example : Mathias Mulumba was a Musoga by tribe, Charles Lwanga was a Muganda by tribe and Andrew Kagwa was a Munyoro by tribe, and in the palace he was loving and jokingly called «Munyoro!»
So God in his kindness gave us these martyrs from different tribes to teach us that although we are from different ethnic groups, were are all his childred and he loves us equally. We should therefore love one another and live in harmony and peace as children of the same Father. He gave the grace of martyrdom equally to people of diverse ethnic groups. Before him we are all equal!
In fact these martyrs are a great gift not only to Uganda and East Africa but also to Africa as whole. For they have already started working out the miracle we are all longing to see, namely : regional and continental union of Africa! On 3 June, pilgrims from all over East Africa go to Namugongo! Many walk all the way from Mombasa-Kenya to Kampala! So Namugongo Shrine is a place of unity for the East Africans.
At the continental level the unity of Africa is also visible at the martyrs Shrine Namugongo! For people from all over Africa are represented there! This year for example the following are some of the countries from where the pilgrims came : Nigeria, Zambia, Malawi, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa and Southern Sudan.
And it is very interesting to note that the Preacher at the Anglican Martyrs’ Shrine was Pastor Steven Mwangi from Kenya. And last year the Preacher was also from outside of Uganda, he was Dr. Chad Gandiya the Bishop of Harare Church of the Province of Central Africa. This is really very good. And I request the Catholics to follow suit! They could organize in such a way that the preacher comes from outside of Uganda. These martyrs are for the whole of Africa and beyond.
And since both the Catholic and Protestant martyrs lived to gether and were killed together, I propose and appeal to the Catholic and Protestant Bishops in Uganda to make arrangements so that at least every two years we have a joint martyrs’ day celebration! This will enable us relive the ecumenical spirit of the Uganda martyrs! And it might eventually lead to total union.
In the years between the joint commemoration, Catholics and Protestants should send representatives to each other’s celebrations.
With the prayers for the beatification of the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, the first President of Tanzania, taking place every year at Namugongo Shrine, the Uganda martyrs are gaining political importance. The prayers are organized by Maria Nyerere the wife of the late President Nyerere in coordination with the Tanzanian and Ugandan governments and the Catholic Church in both countries. Last year the President of Tanzania himself Kikwete was present at the prayers!
Like last year President Museveni attended this year’s prayers for Nyerere. And he took this ocassion to inform the world that Nyerere was the greatest African that ever lived. The Ugandan news paper the New Vision, thus reported him saying, «I am happy when I speak of Nyerere because I am his supporter. I said he was the greatest black man that ever lived. There are other black men such as Mandela, Kwame Nkrumah; but Nyerere is the greatest black man that ever lived.» And in addition he said, «we shall continue coming to Namugongo to pray for the beatification and finally for the Mwalimu’s canonization. If we continue knocking and asking, Rome will open for us.»
The importance of the Uganda martyrs to Africa and the whole world, challages the political establishment in Uganda to do more on the beautification, maintance and protection of both the Catholic and Protestant Shrines! For this is an international ground now!
I am happy Museveni is clearly aware of this international nature of Namugongo. For last year 2010, he made important promises relative to the two Shrines. He celebrated the martyrs’ day with our Anglican brothers and sisters. Of his financial promise to the Church of Uganda, the Ugandan news paper the New Vision reported, «Museveni pledged sh100m towards the beautification of the martyrs’ site to match the standards of the side of the Catholic Church. He caused laughter when he said the bush behind the martyrs’ shrine was cursing the Church of Uganda. He asked the clergy to clear it.» For the Catholics among other things he pledge sh229m for the construction of a perimeter wall aroung the church.
I propose that the government of Uganda secures according to the laws of justice, all the land in between and around the two shrines and encircle them in one single well constructed stone- fence. This will make security easier for the place. And strong big gates like those on olympic stadiums could be constructed along the fence for getting in and out to reduced the chaos and stampede at Namugongo. And there will be enough room inside for the ever growing number of pilgrims.
As we continue to honour and commemorate the Uganda martyrs every year, may our Lord Jesus Christ through their intercession answer the prayers and needs of all those who go to Namugongo to pray. May he through their intercession protect and guide our religious and political leaders. And shower his blessing upon all people, believers and non believers of every race, colour, tribe and nationality under the sun.
Dominic Vincent Nkoyoyo
Monastery Val Notre-Dame, Canada.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
OPINION: Botswana's Bishop Valentine and His Big Heart
Interview With the Bishop of the Diocese of Gaborone
At only 44 and with already two years of Episcopal experience, Bishop Valentine Tsamma Seane carries a heavy charge on young shoulders.
But the ordinary of Gaborone in Botswana says that his personality and his heart easily lend themselves to self-giving and serving the Church of Christ.
The television program "Where God Weeps" of the Catholic Radio and Television Network (CRTN) in cooperation with Aid to the Church in Need and Zenit spoke with Bishop Seane about his vocation and the Church in his country, where Catholics are both a minority and a majority.
Q: Botswana is one of Africa's most stable countries and it has the longest continuous multiparty democracy. It is also a large producer of diamonds. What is the situation of Christianity in Botswana?
Bishop Seane: Botswana is known to be a Christian country. Statistically the Catholic Church accounts for 5%-6% and other Christian churches: Protestants, Pentecostals, spirituals and other independent churches represent about 67%. So you can see it is a Christian country.
Q: So the Catholic Church is a minority?
Bishop Seane: Yes in that sense, but if you take the churches individually like the Anglican Church, or the Lutheran church, the Catholic Church is the largest single denomination. If you group the other Christian churches together then they make up a larger part of the population.
Q: How did Protestants come to outnumber Catholics?
Bishop Seane: The Protestants were the first ones to enter as missionaries and for many years, they convinced the tribal chiefs not to allow the Catholic Church to enter the country. The Catholic Church was allowed to mission only in 1928. By then the Protestant churches were already well established.
Q: You are a new bishop and one of the first things you wrote was: "I'm a Valentine with a big heart." Why?
Bishop Seane: I love working with people and, I suppose, because of my openness and passion for working and serving people. I also discovered that my personality and my heart contribute to that expression: self-giving to others, serving the Church of Christ.
Q: What is your other name?
Bishop Seane: I'm also known as Vala, which is short for Valentine. Many people also know me by Tsamma, which means a staff or walking stick. My grandfather gave this name to me because I used to walk with him and he said that I am his staff. The name stuck with me.
Q: Why did you become a priest?
Bishop Seane: I originally wanted to become a lawyer but when a priest came to my parish to preach I thought that I could also serve the people as a priest. I went to the seminary and I continued to be fulfilled and I discovered that it was my vocation, to serve the people of God as a priest.
Q: The priestly vocation is not easy. You have to live a celibate life.
Bishop Seane: Yes, it is very challenging and it is a gift from God. It is not just an individual decision and individual capability. One spends eight years in the seminary, the spiritual life is very important, and this is what helps us in this journey, a journey of service. It is difficult and it is not easy and it demands self-giving all the time.
Q: On your ordination, all the important people of Botswana were present. Why was this such an event?
Bishop Seane: You have to remember that many people, including Catholics, have never witnessed an ordination. My predecessor was a bishop for 27 years, so most people were not [at his ordination]. There were 15,000 people at the city hall including visitors from the neighbouring countries like South Africa, I worked as a priest in Pretoria. Bishops from Botswana and South Africa came as well as many stars, business people and government members. So it was a national event.
Q: It rained during your ordination. It was seen as a special sign. Why is this?
Bishop Seane: Botswana is very arid, so rain is very precious to us. Even our money is called pula (rain). Rain brings life. As rain is very rare, whenever it rains it is precious and it is seen as a blessing. Even in my family during special occasions, when it rains, it is seen as a blessing. On that day it started as a sunny day. There were no clouds present but toward the end it rained and it was seen as a blessing, a special occasion. God was happy. The ancestors were happy, everybody was happy.
Q: You also wrote that you have experienced God's love. How?
Bishop Seane: I have experienced it all my life. We grew up well. We are five siblings: two brothers and three sisters. I have experienced the invisible hand of God all my life from childhood, in high school and throughout the various changes during my growth. As you mentioned, I was ordained a priest when I was 27 years old and people were wondering about my age. It happened again when I was ordained a bishop. When I was ordained a bishop there were only 10 bishops younger than me in the whole world. In our conference I am the youngest bishop. So I still experience today the love of God and this helps me to go on in the service of his church.
Q: What have you chosen as a motto?
Bishop Seane: Deus Caritas Est, God is love. I read the Pope's encyclical, but it just came to me; the love of God is that around which my life centres. The invisible hand of God, that love is what is guiding me. So I keep on appreciating and thanking God for that. I found that it is precious and it helps me to strive to do my work.
Q: You have received so much. What is the first thing you wish to give to your diocese?
Bishop Seane: I want to encourage local vocations to the priesthood and religious life. I want the indigenous people to be able to discern and respond to God's call so that the Church can be in the hands of the local people who understand the culture of the people. So far it is very promising because there are 16 young men in the major seminary, so the future is promising. I have already ordained three priests as the new bishop. The other thing is the promotion of a self-propagating and self-reliant Church.
Q: What does this mean?
Bishop Seane: It means that people should be ready to participate in the building up of the Church financially and otherwise. Despite being poor, they can give in some other ways: their time, their skills and resources for the benefit of the Church. People know that for a time they were receiving and now it is time to give. When I see the Church as self-sustaining and self-propagating, then I will be happy.
Q: AIDS is also a problem. What is your answer to this scourge?
Bishop Seane: Botswana was fortunate in that when AIDS was discovered the government stood out and spoke aloud: We have this problem. They wanted the world to know and in that way, Botswana received assistance. The government also budgeted and provided free medication as well as AIDS education from primary through to university. Those with the disease received anti-viral (ARVS) and these were distributed in all the hospitals free for those people in need. It is good because these people were accepted and the state accepted that it was a problem and the government was able to allocate resources toward that.
However, it is in the educational aspect where we differ. The government, for instance, promotes condoms; "condom sense" instead of common sense. The Church talks about common sense because the Church understands that as human beings, we are intellectual beings with the ability to control ourselves and we can do that if we are educated. We stress more the "Education for Life" program. While the government is doing its best to help people with medication, it says that there has to be an attack on all fronts, including of course the distribution of condoms, which is not for us to promote. The Church promotes "Education for Life."
The government and the NGOs missed the point in the beginning. Only now are they turning around and slowly seeing the wisdom of the Church because of the problem of multiple partners. They are seeing the problem and are addressing the issue through education.
Q: By multiple partners, do you mean polygamy?
Bishop Seane: No, polygamy is not a common practice in Botswana. It is in the culture but it is not a common practice. The issue is multiple partners before marriage or even after, and not multiple wives. This is what has contributed to the problem. We hope that the Church's message will be heard and will help the country make the right choices for the good of the country.
Q: Are the young people willing to listen to this message from the Church?
Bishop Seane: Yes, the young people are. It is a question of forming the consciences of people and ultimately the choice belongs to them, but they can only activate their knowledge if they are informed. So what we do is give people knowledge and information, and then they are left to make their choice because the conscience is the "highest court of appeal." Ultimately their conscience will have to choose: We choose what culture says, we choose what the state is promoting, or we choose what the Church says.
Q: The government is seeing the wisdom of the Church with regards to the issue of AIDS?
Bishop Seane: Yes slowly, slowly they are seeing it. You cannot think that by distributing prophylactics to people that you can say that you are doing something. If people are conditioned they become totally dependent and then they lose their ability to contain themselves and you end up behaving on your impulses, feelings and senses and forgetting that you have the ability to say "yes" or "no" and forgetting that you are a responsible person.
Q: How is the relationship between Church and government especially now that you are the bishop?
Bishop Seane: Fortunately, the government of Botswana has a history of having good relations with the Church because when the Church began to work [here] in 1928, the government at that time was incapable of building schools and clinics and the missionaries were able to do so. That partnership has always been there. That is why there is this understanding that the Church is there also to help the human person not only spiritually, but also as a whole.
Q: What is your hope for the future of the Catholic Church in Botswana?
Bishop Seane: My hope is that the Church will continue to grow in Botswana, in vocations to the priesthood and religious life, in self-sustainability, and to see more Catholic families, more people marrying in the Church, strengthening the foundations of family life. All this will add to making our nation a better nation and a better country for all.
At only 44 and with already two years of Episcopal experience, Bishop Valentine Tsamma Seane carries a heavy charge on young shoulders.
But the ordinary of Gaborone in Botswana says that his personality and his heart easily lend themselves to self-giving and serving the Church of Christ.
The television program "Where God Weeps" of the Catholic Radio and Television Network (CRTN) in cooperation with Aid to the Church in Need and Zenit spoke with Bishop Seane about his vocation and the Church in his country, where Catholics are both a minority and a majority.
Q: Botswana is one of Africa's most stable countries and it has the longest continuous multiparty democracy. It is also a large producer of diamonds. What is the situation of Christianity in Botswana?
Bishop Seane: Botswana is known to be a Christian country. Statistically the Catholic Church accounts for 5%-6% and other Christian churches: Protestants, Pentecostals, spirituals and other independent churches represent about 67%. So you can see it is a Christian country.
Q: So the Catholic Church is a minority?
Bishop Seane: Yes in that sense, but if you take the churches individually like the Anglican Church, or the Lutheran church, the Catholic Church is the largest single denomination. If you group the other Christian churches together then they make up a larger part of the population.
Q: How did Protestants come to outnumber Catholics?
Bishop Seane: The Protestants were the first ones to enter as missionaries and for many years, they convinced the tribal chiefs not to allow the Catholic Church to enter the country. The Catholic Church was allowed to mission only in 1928. By then the Protestant churches were already well established.
Q: You are a new bishop and one of the first things you wrote was: "I'm a Valentine with a big heart." Why?
Bishop Seane: I love working with people and, I suppose, because of my openness and passion for working and serving people. I also discovered that my personality and my heart contribute to that expression: self-giving to others, serving the Church of Christ.
Q: What is your other name?
Bishop Seane: I'm also known as Vala, which is short for Valentine. Many people also know me by Tsamma, which means a staff or walking stick. My grandfather gave this name to me because I used to walk with him and he said that I am his staff. The name stuck with me.
Q: Why did you become a priest?
Bishop Seane: I originally wanted to become a lawyer but when a priest came to my parish to preach I thought that I could also serve the people as a priest. I went to the seminary and I continued to be fulfilled and I discovered that it was my vocation, to serve the people of God as a priest.
Q: The priestly vocation is not easy. You have to live a celibate life.
Bishop Seane: Yes, it is very challenging and it is a gift from God. It is not just an individual decision and individual capability. One spends eight years in the seminary, the spiritual life is very important, and this is what helps us in this journey, a journey of service. It is difficult and it is not easy and it demands self-giving all the time.
Q: On your ordination, all the important people of Botswana were present. Why was this such an event?
Bishop Seane: You have to remember that many people, including Catholics, have never witnessed an ordination. My predecessor was a bishop for 27 years, so most people were not [at his ordination]. There were 15,000 people at the city hall including visitors from the neighbouring countries like South Africa, I worked as a priest in Pretoria. Bishops from Botswana and South Africa came as well as many stars, business people and government members. So it was a national event.
Q: It rained during your ordination. It was seen as a special sign. Why is this?
Bishop Seane: Botswana is very arid, so rain is very precious to us. Even our money is called pula (rain). Rain brings life. As rain is very rare, whenever it rains it is precious and it is seen as a blessing. Even in my family during special occasions, when it rains, it is seen as a blessing. On that day it started as a sunny day. There were no clouds present but toward the end it rained and it was seen as a blessing, a special occasion. God was happy. The ancestors were happy, everybody was happy.
Q: You also wrote that you have experienced God's love. How?
Bishop Seane: I have experienced it all my life. We grew up well. We are five siblings: two brothers and three sisters. I have experienced the invisible hand of God all my life from childhood, in high school and throughout the various changes during my growth. As you mentioned, I was ordained a priest when I was 27 years old and people were wondering about my age. It happened again when I was ordained a bishop. When I was ordained a bishop there were only 10 bishops younger than me in the whole world. In our conference I am the youngest bishop. So I still experience today the love of God and this helps me to go on in the service of his church.
Q: What have you chosen as a motto?
Bishop Seane: Deus Caritas Est, God is love. I read the Pope's encyclical, but it just came to me; the love of God is that around which my life centres. The invisible hand of God, that love is what is guiding me. So I keep on appreciating and thanking God for that. I found that it is precious and it helps me to strive to do my work.
Q: You have received so much. What is the first thing you wish to give to your diocese?
Bishop Seane: I want to encourage local vocations to the priesthood and religious life. I want the indigenous people to be able to discern and respond to God's call so that the Church can be in the hands of the local people who understand the culture of the people. So far it is very promising because there are 16 young men in the major seminary, so the future is promising. I have already ordained three priests as the new bishop. The other thing is the promotion of a self-propagating and self-reliant Church.
Q: What does this mean?
Bishop Seane: It means that people should be ready to participate in the building up of the Church financially and otherwise. Despite being poor, they can give in some other ways: their time, their skills and resources for the benefit of the Church. People know that for a time they were receiving and now it is time to give. When I see the Church as self-sustaining and self-propagating, then I will be happy.
Q: AIDS is also a problem. What is your answer to this scourge?
Bishop Seane: Botswana was fortunate in that when AIDS was discovered the government stood out and spoke aloud: We have this problem. They wanted the world to know and in that way, Botswana received assistance. The government also budgeted and provided free medication as well as AIDS education from primary through to university. Those with the disease received anti-viral (ARVS) and these were distributed in all the hospitals free for those people in need. It is good because these people were accepted and the state accepted that it was a problem and the government was able to allocate resources toward that.
However, it is in the educational aspect where we differ. The government, for instance, promotes condoms; "condom sense" instead of common sense. The Church talks about common sense because the Church understands that as human beings, we are intellectual beings with the ability to control ourselves and we can do that if we are educated. We stress more the "Education for Life" program. While the government is doing its best to help people with medication, it says that there has to be an attack on all fronts, including of course the distribution of condoms, which is not for us to promote. The Church promotes "Education for Life."
The government and the NGOs missed the point in the beginning. Only now are they turning around and slowly seeing the wisdom of the Church because of the problem of multiple partners. They are seeing the problem and are addressing the issue through education.
Q: By multiple partners, do you mean polygamy?
Bishop Seane: No, polygamy is not a common practice in Botswana. It is in the culture but it is not a common practice. The issue is multiple partners before marriage or even after, and not multiple wives. This is what has contributed to the problem. We hope that the Church's message will be heard and will help the country make the right choices for the good of the country.
Q: Are the young people willing to listen to this message from the Church?
Bishop Seane: Yes, the young people are. It is a question of forming the consciences of people and ultimately the choice belongs to them, but they can only activate their knowledge if they are informed. So what we do is give people knowledge and information, and then they are left to make their choice because the conscience is the "highest court of appeal." Ultimately their conscience will have to choose: We choose what culture says, we choose what the state is promoting, or we choose what the Church says.
Q: The government is seeing the wisdom of the Church with regards to the issue of AIDS?
Bishop Seane: Yes slowly, slowly they are seeing it. You cannot think that by distributing prophylactics to people that you can say that you are doing something. If people are conditioned they become totally dependent and then they lose their ability to contain themselves and you end up behaving on your impulses, feelings and senses and forgetting that you have the ability to say "yes" or "no" and forgetting that you are a responsible person.
Q: How is the relationship between Church and government especially now that you are the bishop?
Bishop Seane: Fortunately, the government of Botswana has a history of having good relations with the Church because when the Church began to work [here] in 1928, the government at that time was incapable of building schools and clinics and the missionaries were able to do so. That partnership has always been there. That is why there is this understanding that the Church is there also to help the human person not only spiritually, but also as a whole.
Q: What is your hope for the future of the Catholic Church in Botswana?
Bishop Seane: My hope is that the Church will continue to grow in Botswana, in vocations to the priesthood and religious life, in self-sustainability, and to see more Catholic families, more people marrying in the Church, strengthening the foundations of family life. All this will add to making our nation a better nation and a better country for all.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
OPINION: Fr Renato Kizito is Innocent……
THE DEVASTATING EFFECTS OF SEXUAL ALLEGATIONS
Deep down in my heart I feel and believe that Fr Renato Sesana Kizito twice accused of sexual scandals is truly innocent. If I am wrong may the merciful God forgive me. Therefore, I invite all those who feel the deep pains and sorrows father Kizito is going through because of these humiliating charges levelled against him, to do whatever they can to repair his damaged image and name.
And let us try to console him with our prayers and in any other possible way in order to alleviate his miseries and sorrows. For it is not easy to singlehandedly handle the devastating effects of false sexual allegations. In addition, everybody should know that false sexual allegation is a crime and an act of brutality. It amounts to psychological torture and character assassination.
Sexual scandal charges, false or true, are always very damaging to any given human being. And they can be levelled against anybody you and me included! They damage Presidents of nations, prominent politicians, top military officers, Bishops, priests, Chief Executive Officers, medical doctors, university professors, schoolteachers, village elders and the common person on the street.
Right now, the former chief of the International Monetary Fund is under scrutiny over charges of sexual assault. The New York Times of 14 May this year in an article : I.M.F. Chief, Apprehended at Airport, Is Accused of Sexual Attack, reported thus, The managing director of the International Monetary Fund, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, was taken off an Air France plane at Kennedy International Airport … in connection with the sexual attack of a maid. On Wednesday 18 May this year, he resigned his post.
In Italy Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has sexual allegations to answer in court ! The article : Berlusconi to stand trial in teen sex case, posted by msnbc.com on 15 February this year, reports thus, The 74- year-old Italian premier was ordered Tuesday to stand trial on charges that he paid a 17-year-old Moroccan girl for sex…an offense that, if proven, could see him barred permanently from public office and even jailed.
In Turkey, as many as 10 prominent politicians have resigned in May this year amid allegations of sexual scandals. One source says that six senior politicians in a Turkish opposition party resigned amid a sex video scandal that could have far-reaching consequences in the June 12 elections. The same source goes on to add that four top members of the hard-line nationalist group resigned earlier this month because of similar videos.
Other offences like : corruption, fighting, caught drunk while driving, bounced cheques, illegal possession of a fire arm, drug trafficking etc are also damaging but not as much as sexual scandals. This is why people who seek to totally ruin another persons name, make every effort to connect them to a sexual scandal ! And sometimes they even pay big sums of money to make sexual traps for them! Sexual scandal allegations inflict maximum damage on a person’s name, image and personality.
Our heads or minds are tuned in such a way that they think more about sexual matters than say corruption or drug trafficking! We may spend several days without thinking about drug trafficking but it is almost impossible to spend a day without sexual thoughts passing through our heads! This is why sexual allegations attract enormous public attention and interest! And it is one of the reasons why those who want to destroy Fr. Kizito are making everything possible to connect him with sexual scandals.
Sexual scandals are also very damaging because our sexuality touches our very dignity as human beings! Self-respect and respect for others implies that we handle our sexuality in a proper way. Sexual scandals inflict damage on the victim’s dignity and ego. For this reason they generate a public out-cry and anger against the alleged offender. This again explains why those who seek to take over Koinonian property are constantly making sexual allegations against Fr Renato Kizito. They want the public to turn against him and force him out of office!
They began their campaign of accusations against the priest way back in 2009. A reliable source thus says, In June 2009 Father Kizito was accused of having sexual intercourse with boys hosted in his community. The priest denied the allegations, saying the properties of Koinonian Community were the real targets of the people behind the accusations. On May 26, 2011, he was arrested in Nairobi on sodomy charges, after his 26-year-old Secretary made a complaint at the Police Station to the effect that Father Kizito sexually attacked him.
The Attorney General of Kenya cleared Fr Kizito of all the 2009 sexual allegations. For the investigations never found a shred of evidence to support the accusations. In the Press Release we therefore read: In a letter dated December 1 2010, Mrs. Alice Ondiek, Deputy Prosecuting Counsel in the Kenya Attorney General’s Chambers, writes under instruction from the same A.G., to the Director of the Criminal Investigation in Nairobi on the matter of the inquiry into allegations of unnatural offences at Kivuli Centre (Nairobi) by Fr. Renato Sesana, alias Fr Kizito against young boys.
Mrs. Ondiek states ‘I am pleased to notify you that the file was placed before the Hon. Attorney General who after perusal on the same has directed as follows: there is no sufficient evidence to prosecute the suspect.’
Even for the new allegations of May 26 this year, no evidence was found to implicate Fr. Kizito. So Police released him. A Kenyan newspaper, Daily Nation, reported thus, Catholic priest Renato Kizito Sesana was released on Friday after investigators said medical tests had failed to tie him to sexual abuse accusation.
The truth has triumphed over lies. Congratulations Fr. Kizito and May God bless you.
Dominic Vincent Nkoyoyo
Monastery Val Notre-Dame
Canada.
Deep down in my heart I feel and believe that Fr Renato Sesana Kizito twice accused of sexual scandals is truly innocent. If I am wrong may the merciful God forgive me. Therefore, I invite all those who feel the deep pains and sorrows father Kizito is going through because of these humiliating charges levelled against him, to do whatever they can to repair his damaged image and name.
And let us try to console him with our prayers and in any other possible way in order to alleviate his miseries and sorrows. For it is not easy to singlehandedly handle the devastating effects of false sexual allegations. In addition, everybody should know that false sexual allegation is a crime and an act of brutality. It amounts to psychological torture and character assassination.
Sexual scandal charges, false or true, are always very damaging to any given human being. And they can be levelled against anybody you and me included! They damage Presidents of nations, prominent politicians, top military officers, Bishops, priests, Chief Executive Officers, medical doctors, university professors, schoolteachers, village elders and the common person on the street.
Right now, the former chief of the International Monetary Fund is under scrutiny over charges of sexual assault. The New York Times of 14 May this year in an article : I.M.F. Chief, Apprehended at Airport, Is Accused of Sexual Attack, reported thus, The managing director of the International Monetary Fund, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, was taken off an Air France plane at Kennedy International Airport … in connection with the sexual attack of a maid. On Wednesday 18 May this year, he resigned his post.
In Italy Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has sexual allegations to answer in court ! The article : Berlusconi to stand trial in teen sex case, posted by msnbc.com on 15 February this year, reports thus, The 74- year-old Italian premier was ordered Tuesday to stand trial on charges that he paid a 17-year-old Moroccan girl for sex…an offense that, if proven, could see him barred permanently from public office and even jailed.
In Turkey, as many as 10 prominent politicians have resigned in May this year amid allegations of sexual scandals. One source says that six senior politicians in a Turkish opposition party resigned amid a sex video scandal that could have far-reaching consequences in the June 12 elections. The same source goes on to add that four top members of the hard-line nationalist group resigned earlier this month because of similar videos.
Other offences like : corruption, fighting, caught drunk while driving, bounced cheques, illegal possession of a fire arm, drug trafficking etc are also damaging but not as much as sexual scandals. This is why people who seek to totally ruin another persons name, make every effort to connect them to a sexual scandal ! And sometimes they even pay big sums of money to make sexual traps for them! Sexual scandal allegations inflict maximum damage on a person’s name, image and personality.
Our heads or minds are tuned in such a way that they think more about sexual matters than say corruption or drug trafficking! We may spend several days without thinking about drug trafficking but it is almost impossible to spend a day without sexual thoughts passing through our heads! This is why sexual allegations attract enormous public attention and interest! And it is one of the reasons why those who want to destroy Fr. Kizito are making everything possible to connect him with sexual scandals.
Sexual scandals are also very damaging because our sexuality touches our very dignity as human beings! Self-respect and respect for others implies that we handle our sexuality in a proper way. Sexual scandals inflict damage on the victim’s dignity and ego. For this reason they generate a public out-cry and anger against the alleged offender. This again explains why those who seek to take over Koinonian property are constantly making sexual allegations against Fr Renato Kizito. They want the public to turn against him and force him out of office!
They began their campaign of accusations against the priest way back in 2009. A reliable source thus says, In June 2009 Father Kizito was accused of having sexual intercourse with boys hosted in his community. The priest denied the allegations, saying the properties of Koinonian Community were the real targets of the people behind the accusations. On May 26, 2011, he was arrested in Nairobi on sodomy charges, after his 26-year-old Secretary made a complaint at the Police Station to the effect that Father Kizito sexually attacked him.
The Attorney General of Kenya cleared Fr Kizito of all the 2009 sexual allegations. For the investigations never found a shred of evidence to support the accusations. In the Press Release we therefore read: In a letter dated December 1 2010, Mrs. Alice Ondiek, Deputy Prosecuting Counsel in the Kenya Attorney General’s Chambers, writes under instruction from the same A.G., to the Director of the Criminal Investigation in Nairobi on the matter of the inquiry into allegations of unnatural offences at Kivuli Centre (Nairobi) by Fr. Renato Sesana, alias Fr Kizito against young boys.
Mrs. Ondiek states ‘I am pleased to notify you that the file was placed before the Hon. Attorney General who after perusal on the same has directed as follows: there is no sufficient evidence to prosecute the suspect.’
Even for the new allegations of May 26 this year, no evidence was found to implicate Fr. Kizito. So Police released him. A Kenyan newspaper, Daily Nation, reported thus, Catholic priest Renato Kizito Sesana was released on Friday after investigators said medical tests had failed to tie him to sexual abuse accusation.
The truth has triumphed over lies. Congratulations Fr. Kizito and May God bless you.
Dominic Vincent Nkoyoyo
Monastery Val Notre-Dame
Canada.
Friday, May 27, 2011
OPINION: The Historic Encounter between Science and Religion
THE POPE SPEAKS TO ASTRONAUTS
NAIROBI, May 27 2011. -Saturday 21, May 2011 will go down into history books as the day of the greatest historic encounter between Science and Faith / Religion in modern times!
On this day, Pope Benedict XVI spoke to the crew of astronauts at the International Space Station!
All voices, in an article: Pope Talks to Astronauts in Space, reported thus, Pope Benedict XVI, has broken ground here on earth, now he has entered where no Pope has gone – space. Astronaut Mark Kelly, aboard the International Space Station received a visitation by the Pontiff via satellite. The Chat from Pope Benedict marks a historic event; the first time that a Pontiff has linked-up in space.
The Vatican was connected with the International Space Station, Kelly, his five-man crew and six station residents.
The conversation between the Pontiff and the astronauts revealed to the world the unity between science and religion. From the article: The Pope blesses astronauts in 1st papal call to space, by Associated Press, we read, Benedict told the space travelers that ‘You are our representatives spearheading humanity’s exploration of new spaces and possibilities for our future.’…
Space station astronaut Ronald Garan Jr Spoke of the paper-thin layer of atmosphere ‘that separates every living thing from the vacuum of space.’ And shuttle crewman Fincke described how he and his colleagues ‘can look down and see our beautiful planet Earth that God has made.’…
Benedict expressed concern for astronaut Paolo Nespoli, whose 78-year-old mother died…while he was serving on the space station. ‘How have you been living through this time of pain on the International Space Station?’ The Pope asked. ‘Holy Father, I felt your prayers and everyone’s prayers arriving up here…’
This is a memorable event that has repaired and settled once and for all, the misunderstanding and conflict between Galileo and the Catholic Church. It cements the apologies already offered by the late John Paul II on this matter. In addition, it opens a new era in the relationship between religion and the scientific community.
But it is important to remember that apart from isolated incidents, which sometimes are exaggerated, the Catholic Church has never been hostile to science. And the Pontifical Academy of Sciences through its members and the Vatican Observatory have made a lot of contribution to scientific and technological developments.
The list of these members who are from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds is long but just to mention a few: Fr Georges Lemaître (1894-1966) the father of the Big Bang theory, was the President of this Pontifical Academy from 1960 to his death in1966, American Charles H. Towens, Nobel Physics prize 1964, Israel’s Aaron Ciehanover Nobel Chemistry prize 2004, German Gerhard Ertl Nobel Chemistry prize 2007, Egyptian Ahmed Zewail Nobel Chemistry prize 1999, etc.
It should also be remembered that the Vatican Observatory is one of the oldest astronomical research institutions in the world! In 1993 its modern 1.8 metres Advanced Technology Telescope was completed at Mount Graham in Arizona USA.
One source says, Given its excellent optical qualities, the telescope has been used primarily for imaging work, in which it regularly out performs much larger telescopes located elsewhere. Among the notable results from this telescope has been the discovery of MACHOs in Andromenda Galaxy. (MACHO stands for Massive Astrophysical Compact Halo Object.)
The long list of priests who have greately contributed to the development of science and advancement of technology also testifies to the fact that the Church has not always been hostile to science as some people think.
This list includes:
Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543) Apart from being a Catholic cleric he was a mathematician, astronomer and a physician. He is the father of modern astronomy.
Fr Nicolas Steno (1638-1686) He is considered the father of geology.
Fr Francesco Maria Grimaldi SJ (1618-1663) He was a mathematician, physicist and astronomer. The Crater Grimaldi on the moon is named after him!
Fr Giovanni Battista Riccioli SJ (1598-1671) He was an astronomer. He was the first person to measure the rate of acceleration of free falling body.
Gregor Johann Mendel (1822-1884) He was and Augustinian monk. He is the undisputed father of the genetic sciences.
Apart from Galileo Galilee, other devout Catholic lay people have also contributed greatly to the development of science and technology.
These include:
Blaise Pascal (1623-1662) a convert to Roman Catholicism, he is one of the greatest minds of all time! He was a mathematician, physicist, astronomer and philosopher. He invented the calculator.
Louis Pasteur (1822-1895) He was a great biologist. He is the inventor of pasteurization.
Both science and religion/faith are gifts of God to the human family. Moreover, I find it very interesting that even the Bible itself, written many centuries before the age of our modern science, has room for natural science!
In the book of Sirach, we read the following, Honour physicians for their services, for the Lord created them; for the gift of healing comes from the Most High, and they are rewarded by the king. The skills of physicians make them distinguished. The Lord created medicine out of the earth and the sensible will not despise them. (Sir. 38:1-4)
Pope Benedict’s approach to science is in total agreement with the scriptures! And in my opinion he, more than any other pontiff has invested a lot of energy in bridging the gap between science and faith.
As we have two bodily eyes at the physical level, we also have two eyes at the spiritual level, one eye is science and another faith; both looking at one and the same reality but from different perspectives. To have a better perspective of reality, both eyes are needed!
Dominic Vincent Nkoyoyo
Monastery Val Notre-Dame, Canada.
NAIROBI, May 27 2011. -Saturday 21, May 2011 will go down into history books as the day of the greatest historic encounter between Science and Faith / Religion in modern times!
On this day, Pope Benedict XVI spoke to the crew of astronauts at the International Space Station!
All voices, in an article: Pope Talks to Astronauts in Space, reported thus, Pope Benedict XVI, has broken ground here on earth, now he has entered where no Pope has gone – space. Astronaut Mark Kelly, aboard the International Space Station received a visitation by the Pontiff via satellite. The Chat from Pope Benedict marks a historic event; the first time that a Pontiff has linked-up in space.
The Vatican was connected with the International Space Station, Kelly, his five-man crew and six station residents.
The conversation between the Pontiff and the astronauts revealed to the world the unity between science and religion. From the article: The Pope blesses astronauts in 1st papal call to space, by Associated Press, we read, Benedict told the space travelers that ‘You are our representatives spearheading humanity’s exploration of new spaces and possibilities for our future.’…
Space station astronaut Ronald Garan Jr Spoke of the paper-thin layer of atmosphere ‘that separates every living thing from the vacuum of space.’ And shuttle crewman Fincke described how he and his colleagues ‘can look down and see our beautiful planet Earth that God has made.’…
Benedict expressed concern for astronaut Paolo Nespoli, whose 78-year-old mother died…while he was serving on the space station. ‘How have you been living through this time of pain on the International Space Station?’ The Pope asked. ‘Holy Father, I felt your prayers and everyone’s prayers arriving up here…’
This is a memorable event that has repaired and settled once and for all, the misunderstanding and conflict between Galileo and the Catholic Church. It cements the apologies already offered by the late John Paul II on this matter. In addition, it opens a new era in the relationship between religion and the scientific community.
But it is important to remember that apart from isolated incidents, which sometimes are exaggerated, the Catholic Church has never been hostile to science. And the Pontifical Academy of Sciences through its members and the Vatican Observatory have made a lot of contribution to scientific and technological developments.
The list of these members who are from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds is long but just to mention a few: Fr Georges Lemaître (1894-1966) the father of the Big Bang theory, was the President of this Pontifical Academy from 1960 to his death in1966, American Charles H. Towens, Nobel Physics prize 1964, Israel’s Aaron Ciehanover Nobel Chemistry prize 2004, German Gerhard Ertl Nobel Chemistry prize 2007, Egyptian Ahmed Zewail Nobel Chemistry prize 1999, etc.
It should also be remembered that the Vatican Observatory is one of the oldest astronomical research institutions in the world! In 1993 its modern 1.8 metres Advanced Technology Telescope was completed at Mount Graham in Arizona USA.
One source says, Given its excellent optical qualities, the telescope has been used primarily for imaging work, in which it regularly out performs much larger telescopes located elsewhere. Among the notable results from this telescope has been the discovery of MACHOs in Andromenda Galaxy. (MACHO stands for Massive Astrophysical Compact Halo Object.)
The long list of priests who have greately contributed to the development of science and advancement of technology also testifies to the fact that the Church has not always been hostile to science as some people think.
This list includes:
Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543) Apart from being a Catholic cleric he was a mathematician, astronomer and a physician. He is the father of modern astronomy.
Fr Nicolas Steno (1638-1686) He is considered the father of geology.
Fr Francesco Maria Grimaldi SJ (1618-1663) He was a mathematician, physicist and astronomer. The Crater Grimaldi on the moon is named after him!
Fr Giovanni Battista Riccioli SJ (1598-1671) He was an astronomer. He was the first person to measure the rate of acceleration of free falling body.
Gregor Johann Mendel (1822-1884) He was and Augustinian monk. He is the undisputed father of the genetic sciences.
Apart from Galileo Galilee, other devout Catholic lay people have also contributed greatly to the development of science and technology.
These include:
Blaise Pascal (1623-1662) a convert to Roman Catholicism, he is one of the greatest minds of all time! He was a mathematician, physicist, astronomer and philosopher. He invented the calculator.
Louis Pasteur (1822-1895) He was a great biologist. He is the inventor of pasteurization.
Both science and religion/faith are gifts of God to the human family. Moreover, I find it very interesting that even the Bible itself, written many centuries before the age of our modern science, has room for natural science!
In the book of Sirach, we read the following, Honour physicians for their services, for the Lord created them; for the gift of healing comes from the Most High, and they are rewarded by the king. The skills of physicians make them distinguished. The Lord created medicine out of the earth and the sensible will not despise them. (Sir. 38:1-4)
Pope Benedict’s approach to science is in total agreement with the scriptures! And in my opinion he, more than any other pontiff has invested a lot of energy in bridging the gap between science and faith.
As we have two bodily eyes at the physical level, we also have two eyes at the spiritual level, one eye is science and another faith; both looking at one and the same reality but from different perspectives. To have a better perspective of reality, both eyes are needed!
Dominic Vincent Nkoyoyo
Monastery Val Notre-Dame, Canada.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Religious Freedom
A REFLEXION ON THE CONVERSION OF PERSECUTOR: SAINT PAUL
Acts 22:3-16
If salvation came to us through the cross, then the latter becomes clearly a way through which the expiation of our sins, the cleansing of our stained mind and heart, is carried out before we are actually restored to our primeval image, that which God gave us at the creation of the universe, as narrated in the two first chapters of the Book of Genesis. In this context of the way of the cross, any moment of persecutions and tribulations is seen in the light of our faith to the crucified Christ, not as moments of disgrace but of grace.
The conversion of Paul is one of the amazing manifestations of God’s grace, forgiveness and power to empower what human eyes may judge as unworthy disgrace. It’s clear that Paul was out there on a specific mission: “to persecute the newly growing Christian Church by arresting and eventually killing its followers.” It’s exactly there that the Light of the Lord shone in his darkness. That’s where I remember the English saying that “every cloud has a silver lining.” Obviously bad situations may bear some glittering lights in them if at all we are able to sail beyond the large and “cast the net into the deep.”
The occasion of Paul, the converted persecutor, prompts me to rethink about the current Christian persecutions by other religions such as Islam (in several parts of the world, recently in Egypt) and Buddhism (in some parts of India), all of them brothers of ours, sharing the same gift of human life from the same God that we do call with different names as the late South-African Reggae Star Lucky Dube put it in his song “Jah live”: “Some call him Jah, some Allah, some God… but He cares for everyone…”
As the persecution of the Christian Church is reawakening, it appears to me that our reading and interpretation of the situation is widely biased and blinded by the “Americanized or the Westernized vision of Islam.” And this unilateral narrowed vision impedes us from grasping the situation in a more eclectic approach that would bring together history, faith, reason and our commitment and witness as Christians in the world. The Americanized/Westernized vision of Islam associates the latter with “terrorism”, a widely shared vision in the West. I am equally amazed that the counter position comes from the same America and through a lay leader in the person of President Barrack Obama whose moderate approach seems to balance this unilaterally minded vision (Cf. his positive statement when Muslims wanted to build a Mosque on Ground zero where the two Towers of the World Trade Center were blown off). His speech was very conciliating and urging the American people, and all of us by extension, to forego any form of “hate speech” and use in our language “the words that heal” instead of “words that wound” (Cf. his latest speech in Tucson/Arizona when he visited a recovering Gabrielle Giffords in her hospital bed after being shot in the head).
First of all, I want to state clearly that I’ve no intention whatsoever to provide any form of apology to terrorism. As a Christian believer, a priest, a free thinker and a student in Communication and Mass Media, I fundamentally subscribe for a peaceful world with religious, political, ideological and social tolerance. No one has the right to take people’s life as this pertains to God alone, the Creator of life. I simply find absurd and narrow minded this association of some Religions to “terrorism.” This is, to my humble opinion, a real easy short cut, a cheap way of pointing quickly a finger at someone else without looking deep inside on our own side. So I wonder as I ponder on the grace of Saint Paul, “the converted persecutor”, isn’t there any other way of reading history, using different lenses than the most popular current one viewing only the surface? Beyond the gruesome events of terrorism here and there, isn’t there any meaning that God is trying to communicate to us as Christians in the nightmare of modern liberalism and terrorism? If in the past, God did use pagan Kings like Nebuchadnezzar to make his glory be known by his chosen people Israel, what impedes Him today to use some other historical circumstances to make us re-question our own journey in the world as far as our Christian commitment or witness is concerned? My suggestion is therefore a wider and eclectic reading of the reality that brings us back to ourselves, inside our own home in order to see if we are not in some ways responsible for letting other alternatives thrive, looking better than our Christian faith; or giving an opportunity to others to express their emotional outburst at the extreme.
Are you responsible? “Yes, I am!” is my answer after a number of considerations that I would like to share in this short reflection. If you find yourself challenged, then let us look together for words that heal and restore peace with our different brothers in dialogue. If you hold a different opinion than mine, then let me know so that we may grow together in our reading of reality as it unfolds itself.
History taught me that somewhere along the line, crusades were organized around the 15th-17th Centuries to establish Christianity in the West and fight against all the infidels. I do not remember if that was called “terrorism”, maybe the word did not yet exist, or at least was not yet on the limelight like today. What do I think in my mind and feel in my heart when others are using methods I did use in the past to repress their freedom of religion? They probably felt the same way I feel right now. The fact that I was not physically there to witness the crusades does not alter my historical link to this dark past (Just as the West does with the story of slavery in Africa). Without ratifying the concept of “holy wars,” I simply wonder if this is not somehow part of the process of religious development in human history, taking in account the fact that a religion such as Islam for instance, takes its roots in the year 622 of our era, 7 centuries after Christianity. Such an argument would not apply for Buddhism or some other religions older than Christianity.
History taught me that from independence in 1960 until now, most if not all leaders of my country, D.R. Congo were and are Christians, even former students in Seminaries, as these were the best learning Institutions in our African countries during colonization and at the dawn of our independence. I did not hear any Muslim name in our governments, maybe one or two. All my presidents, from “Joseph” Kasa-vubu to “Joseph” Kabila, passing through “Joseph”-“Désiré” Mobutu and Laurent-“Désiré” Kabila, were and are all Christians, possess Christian names and go to different Christian services, especially on Sundays. The D.R. Congo population is Christian in majority (over 50 %)… Yet we can see the stark contrast! How much all these seeds, not necessarily fruits, of Christianity, except the first Joseph, have wrecked our very rich country with their drunkenness of power, greed and selfishness! Most leaders and people continue mixing both Christian faith and some occult and traditional practices, ranging from animist and fetishist rituals to stark devil worshipping where human blood is used.
History taught me that the West has become extremely democratic that it is terminally ailing from a thorough and stubborn amnesia of its Christian roots of development that brought it to the peak of its medieval and early modern glory. In the name of democracy and human freedom, the West has trampled down several values and removed all Christian symbols, namely the cross of Christ, from their schools so that children may have no reference to any form of religion. The West has forbidden prayers to avoid any form of discrimination and allow religious freedom in Christian schools; the other religions did not do that, they are still maintaining their non negotiable traditions in schools. In the name of the same democracy, the West has let children become stronger and fight their own parents, those from whom God gave them life, accusing them to the police and having them jailed for not fulfilling their rights; the other religions did not do that! While the Bible clearly condemns homosexuality, some Christian Churches tolerate the ordination of homosexual pastors and nurture paedophiles in the name of freedom as if the Word of God has changed for modern Christianity… and with no one protest, homosexuality has been simply cancelled from the list of psychological deviations to become a natural, free and fulfilling sexual orientation! This mentality is in the process of its exportation across the globe! Oh! Even our fellow non-rational creatures, our cows and goats, cocks and hens, domesticated in our animal husbandries know the difference between male and female; ask them, they also know the right and natural sexual orientation better than the so-called human animal!
History taught me that my people back home were practicing agriculture before we missionaries – I’m one of them – brought them salt and sweets, shirts and shoes and began dishing out money to serve their needs under the beautiful evangelical intention of “helping the poor”. We infantilized them instead of making them mature persons with the development of their hard working skills. And we still continue doing so, stripping them from any human self worth and dignity while we should rather empower them and raise them up from the ash heap by the products of their sweat, to be faithful to the God’s given mandate in the book of Genesis. From hard workers and tough survivors against natural disasters, we turned our people into lazy expectants settled in the disastrous belief that “they got nothing and their salvation has to come from elsewhere.” And in the world global context, “if you’ve got nothing, you are nothing!”
History taught me that not so long ago, a Christian Western president called “Gushing War Blades” (I’m still expecting the Ocampo sword to fall upon him! Unfortunately it won’t!). GWB stubbornly waged a war in some Middle-East country, home for thousand of Muslims, because their hung leader, Salaam Hell, was suspected to have weapons of mass destruction. Nothing of the kind was found but the so called “World saviors” are still present there and no peace is found yet. Wonder! No one raised a voice to term that “terrorism”! In my own country, D.R. Congo, 6.000.000 people have lost their lives, thousands of women raped, mutilated of their lips and body parts with devilish cruelty… and recently, one nun, the former General Superior of the Augustinian Sisters of Dungu was coldly riddled with bullets by the LRA rebels… Aren’t some of Christian Super powers behind all these gruesome sceneries… letting African puppet leaders serve faithfully their interests at the expenses of our beloved people, the very people of God… still nobody calls that “terrorism”!
Then I wonder if the term “terrorism” is only applicable when the killing is initiated by others, different from us? Does it have a discriminatory meaning depending on denominations and geographical situations; or does it have a universal meaning applicable to all similar situations around the world? Or is it used only when it’s linked with suicide bombers and saved for planes bombing and other weapon and missile strikes? Isn’t the fight against “terrorism”, within the so called “Axis of evil”, as referred to by the World Salvation Legion, another way of perpetuating this “terrorism” and justifying their exorbitant military expenses and their economic invasions of poor countries rich in petrol and minerals? Have we thoroughly investigated the reasons why this terrorism begun and still goes on? Is it the right method to deal with consequences while causes are neither solved nor even addressed?
I think, in my humble perspective, that there is a tremendous inconsistency between professed values and the real commitment to the witness of faith. Somewhere, deep down in their confused minds and hearts, our people are hoping for some better alternatives even though they are still hanging around with the known status quo already offered. Maybe that is why others find it relatively easy to fish in our Christian ponds.
My heartfelt acknowledgement goes to all great Christian leaders whose struggles and witness brought a palpable social impact felt beyond their geographical boundaries. I particularly think of Reverend Pastor Martin Luther King in the USA (Martyr of the fight against discrimination of the black people), Bishop Desmond Tutu in South-Africa (living icon of the fall of Apartheid), Mother Teresa of Calcutta (Blessed woman having given herself totally for the dignity of the poor), Bishop Oscar Romero in Peru (Martyr for the defense of the poor natives)… and all world Christian disciples who have dedicated or sacrificed their lives for the incarnation of the liberating message of Christ’s Gospel without bending low or keeping a compromising silence in the face of peoples’ oppression. Such witness is needed to reaffirm our faith in Christ within a world seemingly loosing the compass. We ought to follow such steady examples in our search for and restoration of human dignity in its divinely anthropological roots of “beings created in God’s image.” I do believe that if we’re walking towards such a witnessing direction “to become light and salt of the earth”, then persecution, part of the ongoing process of Christ’s cross in the fight between light and darkness, will have some sparkling light on “some new Paul’s” of our time, falling from their domineering horses and responding to some peculiar questions leading them to “some conversion”, not necessarily Christian but “Godly grounded.”
Fr. Nhessy, NKULU ILAND, imc.
Acts 22:3-16
If salvation came to us through the cross, then the latter becomes clearly a way through which the expiation of our sins, the cleansing of our stained mind and heart, is carried out before we are actually restored to our primeval image, that which God gave us at the creation of the universe, as narrated in the two first chapters of the Book of Genesis. In this context of the way of the cross, any moment of persecutions and tribulations is seen in the light of our faith to the crucified Christ, not as moments of disgrace but of grace.
The conversion of Paul is one of the amazing manifestations of God’s grace, forgiveness and power to empower what human eyes may judge as unworthy disgrace. It’s clear that Paul was out there on a specific mission: “to persecute the newly growing Christian Church by arresting and eventually killing its followers.” It’s exactly there that the Light of the Lord shone in his darkness. That’s where I remember the English saying that “every cloud has a silver lining.” Obviously bad situations may bear some glittering lights in them if at all we are able to sail beyond the large and “cast the net into the deep.”
The occasion of Paul, the converted persecutor, prompts me to rethink about the current Christian persecutions by other religions such as Islam (in several parts of the world, recently in Egypt) and Buddhism (in some parts of India), all of them brothers of ours, sharing the same gift of human life from the same God that we do call with different names as the late South-African Reggae Star Lucky Dube put it in his song “Jah live”: “Some call him Jah, some Allah, some God… but He cares for everyone…”
As the persecution of the Christian Church is reawakening, it appears to me that our reading and interpretation of the situation is widely biased and blinded by the “Americanized or the Westernized vision of Islam.” And this unilateral narrowed vision impedes us from grasping the situation in a more eclectic approach that would bring together history, faith, reason and our commitment and witness as Christians in the world. The Americanized/Westernized vision of Islam associates the latter with “terrorism”, a widely shared vision in the West. I am equally amazed that the counter position comes from the same America and through a lay leader in the person of President Barrack Obama whose moderate approach seems to balance this unilaterally minded vision (Cf. his positive statement when Muslims wanted to build a Mosque on Ground zero where the two Towers of the World Trade Center were blown off). His speech was very conciliating and urging the American people, and all of us by extension, to forego any form of “hate speech” and use in our language “the words that heal” instead of “words that wound” (Cf. his latest speech in Tucson/Arizona when he visited a recovering Gabrielle Giffords in her hospital bed after being shot in the head).
First of all, I want to state clearly that I’ve no intention whatsoever to provide any form of apology to terrorism. As a Christian believer, a priest, a free thinker and a student in Communication and Mass Media, I fundamentally subscribe for a peaceful world with religious, political, ideological and social tolerance. No one has the right to take people’s life as this pertains to God alone, the Creator of life. I simply find absurd and narrow minded this association of some Religions to “terrorism.” This is, to my humble opinion, a real easy short cut, a cheap way of pointing quickly a finger at someone else without looking deep inside on our own side. So I wonder as I ponder on the grace of Saint Paul, “the converted persecutor”, isn’t there any other way of reading history, using different lenses than the most popular current one viewing only the surface? Beyond the gruesome events of terrorism here and there, isn’t there any meaning that God is trying to communicate to us as Christians in the nightmare of modern liberalism and terrorism? If in the past, God did use pagan Kings like Nebuchadnezzar to make his glory be known by his chosen people Israel, what impedes Him today to use some other historical circumstances to make us re-question our own journey in the world as far as our Christian commitment or witness is concerned? My suggestion is therefore a wider and eclectic reading of the reality that brings us back to ourselves, inside our own home in order to see if we are not in some ways responsible for letting other alternatives thrive, looking better than our Christian faith; or giving an opportunity to others to express their emotional outburst at the extreme.
Are you responsible? “Yes, I am!” is my answer after a number of considerations that I would like to share in this short reflection. If you find yourself challenged, then let us look together for words that heal and restore peace with our different brothers in dialogue. If you hold a different opinion than mine, then let me know so that we may grow together in our reading of reality as it unfolds itself.
History taught me that somewhere along the line, crusades were organized around the 15th-17th Centuries to establish Christianity in the West and fight against all the infidels. I do not remember if that was called “terrorism”, maybe the word did not yet exist, or at least was not yet on the limelight like today. What do I think in my mind and feel in my heart when others are using methods I did use in the past to repress their freedom of religion? They probably felt the same way I feel right now. The fact that I was not physically there to witness the crusades does not alter my historical link to this dark past (Just as the West does with the story of slavery in Africa). Without ratifying the concept of “holy wars,” I simply wonder if this is not somehow part of the process of religious development in human history, taking in account the fact that a religion such as Islam for instance, takes its roots in the year 622 of our era, 7 centuries after Christianity. Such an argument would not apply for Buddhism or some other religions older than Christianity.
History taught me that from independence in 1960 until now, most if not all leaders of my country, D.R. Congo were and are Christians, even former students in Seminaries, as these were the best learning Institutions in our African countries during colonization and at the dawn of our independence. I did not hear any Muslim name in our governments, maybe one or two. All my presidents, from “Joseph” Kasa-vubu to “Joseph” Kabila, passing through “Joseph”-“Désiré” Mobutu and Laurent-“Désiré” Kabila, were and are all Christians, possess Christian names and go to different Christian services, especially on Sundays. The D.R. Congo population is Christian in majority (over 50 %)… Yet we can see the stark contrast! How much all these seeds, not necessarily fruits, of Christianity, except the first Joseph, have wrecked our very rich country with their drunkenness of power, greed and selfishness! Most leaders and people continue mixing both Christian faith and some occult and traditional practices, ranging from animist and fetishist rituals to stark devil worshipping where human blood is used.
History taught me that the West has become extremely democratic that it is terminally ailing from a thorough and stubborn amnesia of its Christian roots of development that brought it to the peak of its medieval and early modern glory. In the name of democracy and human freedom, the West has trampled down several values and removed all Christian symbols, namely the cross of Christ, from their schools so that children may have no reference to any form of religion. The West has forbidden prayers to avoid any form of discrimination and allow religious freedom in Christian schools; the other religions did not do that, they are still maintaining their non negotiable traditions in schools. In the name of the same democracy, the West has let children become stronger and fight their own parents, those from whom God gave them life, accusing them to the police and having them jailed for not fulfilling their rights; the other religions did not do that! While the Bible clearly condemns homosexuality, some Christian Churches tolerate the ordination of homosexual pastors and nurture paedophiles in the name of freedom as if the Word of God has changed for modern Christianity… and with no one protest, homosexuality has been simply cancelled from the list of psychological deviations to become a natural, free and fulfilling sexual orientation! This mentality is in the process of its exportation across the globe! Oh! Even our fellow non-rational creatures, our cows and goats, cocks and hens, domesticated in our animal husbandries know the difference between male and female; ask them, they also know the right and natural sexual orientation better than the so-called human animal!
History taught me that my people back home were practicing agriculture before we missionaries – I’m one of them – brought them salt and sweets, shirts and shoes and began dishing out money to serve their needs under the beautiful evangelical intention of “helping the poor”. We infantilized them instead of making them mature persons with the development of their hard working skills. And we still continue doing so, stripping them from any human self worth and dignity while we should rather empower them and raise them up from the ash heap by the products of their sweat, to be faithful to the God’s given mandate in the book of Genesis. From hard workers and tough survivors against natural disasters, we turned our people into lazy expectants settled in the disastrous belief that “they got nothing and their salvation has to come from elsewhere.” And in the world global context, “if you’ve got nothing, you are nothing!”
History taught me that not so long ago, a Christian Western president called “Gushing War Blades” (I’m still expecting the Ocampo sword to fall upon him! Unfortunately it won’t!). GWB stubbornly waged a war in some Middle-East country, home for thousand of Muslims, because their hung leader, Salaam Hell, was suspected to have weapons of mass destruction. Nothing of the kind was found but the so called “World saviors” are still present there and no peace is found yet. Wonder! No one raised a voice to term that “terrorism”! In my own country, D.R. Congo, 6.000.000 people have lost their lives, thousands of women raped, mutilated of their lips and body parts with devilish cruelty… and recently, one nun, the former General Superior of the Augustinian Sisters of Dungu was coldly riddled with bullets by the LRA rebels… Aren’t some of Christian Super powers behind all these gruesome sceneries… letting African puppet leaders serve faithfully their interests at the expenses of our beloved people, the very people of God… still nobody calls that “terrorism”!
Then I wonder if the term “terrorism” is only applicable when the killing is initiated by others, different from us? Does it have a discriminatory meaning depending on denominations and geographical situations; or does it have a universal meaning applicable to all similar situations around the world? Or is it used only when it’s linked with suicide bombers and saved for planes bombing and other weapon and missile strikes? Isn’t the fight against “terrorism”, within the so called “Axis of evil”, as referred to by the World Salvation Legion, another way of perpetuating this “terrorism” and justifying their exorbitant military expenses and their economic invasions of poor countries rich in petrol and minerals? Have we thoroughly investigated the reasons why this terrorism begun and still goes on? Is it the right method to deal with consequences while causes are neither solved nor even addressed?
I think, in my humble perspective, that there is a tremendous inconsistency between professed values and the real commitment to the witness of faith. Somewhere, deep down in their confused minds and hearts, our people are hoping for some better alternatives even though they are still hanging around with the known status quo already offered. Maybe that is why others find it relatively easy to fish in our Christian ponds.
My heartfelt acknowledgement goes to all great Christian leaders whose struggles and witness brought a palpable social impact felt beyond their geographical boundaries. I particularly think of Reverend Pastor Martin Luther King in the USA (Martyr of the fight against discrimination of the black people), Bishop Desmond Tutu in South-Africa (living icon of the fall of Apartheid), Mother Teresa of Calcutta (Blessed woman having given herself totally for the dignity of the poor), Bishop Oscar Romero in Peru (Martyr for the defense of the poor natives)… and all world Christian disciples who have dedicated or sacrificed their lives for the incarnation of the liberating message of Christ’s Gospel without bending low or keeping a compromising silence in the face of peoples’ oppression. Such witness is needed to reaffirm our faith in Christ within a world seemingly loosing the compass. We ought to follow such steady examples in our search for and restoration of human dignity in its divinely anthropological roots of “beings created in God’s image.” I do believe that if we’re walking towards such a witnessing direction “to become light and salt of the earth”, then persecution, part of the ongoing process of Christ’s cross in the fight between light and darkness, will have some sparkling light on “some new Paul’s” of our time, falling from their domineering horses and responding to some peculiar questions leading them to “some conversion”, not necessarily Christian but “Godly grounded.”
Fr. Nhessy, NKULU ILAND, imc.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)