“The poverty of the
poor is not a call to generous relief action, but a demand that we go and build
a different social order.”
― Gustavo Gutiérrez[1]
On January 23, 2014, I
yet again went to Kapingila (Zambia
Episcopal Conference) House in Lusaka, Zambia. This, it now seems is one of my annual
intellection inquiry pilgrims. Our Catholic bishops always have press briefings
or issue Pastoral Statements on the state of the Nation at Kapingila House. On
this day, like on similar days gone, I was yet again disillusioned.
Perhaps, I really
shouldn’t bother anymore. But well, these are our spiritual leaders, and in my auld langsyne thoughts they still typify
that hope the underprivileged among us seek. That ray of guidance, wisdom that
would transform today into a better tomorrow.
In my yesteryear
thoughts, these men of the cloak speak against the excesses of the State,
misrule, injustice with no partiality or fear. They profess their views on the
state of the Nation with unhindered and burdenless authority. After all, most
do not seek the echelons of political power. All they seek is a just and
dignified existence for us all.
On this day, January
23, 2014, it suddenly dawned on me that there has always been something amiss
in the way the Bishops deliver their concerns on the state of the Nation. The language,
which is to the point, is however seldom inspiring, and not likely to shake the
devil in his boots. It always sounds to me like a lullaby of overt diplomacy
and apologies.
In hindsight, maybe we
do not realize that as, Gustavo Gutiérrez observes, “The denunciation of injustice implies the rejection of the use of
Christianity to legitimize the established order”. To which end, it is
inarguable that any apparent failings by spiritual leaders (Catholic or not) to
say it as it is, is not only a spiritual
leadership failing on their part, but also that it can be construed to mean all is well, but for a few corners that need straightening out. Denunciation of misrule,
injustice has to just be that – as it is.
I left Kapingila House
with a ruptured conscience. With the injustice, misrule these revered men of
the cloak have so righteously observed, should they still be so moderate? Perhaps,
it was my imagination? Or perhaps, I dwell in an utopian world of “no injustice allowed, no rhetoric accepted”.
Ora pro nobis.
[1] Gustavo
Gutiérrez Merino, O.P. is a Peruvian theologian and Dominican priest regarded
as the founder of Liberation Theology.
Thanks Mbinji for these thoughts. According to Dr. Isaac Phiri, I think he is your colleague at UNZA, he argues that the church becomes more outspoken in those moments when civil society is suppressed. Is there a parallel between their stance now and the fact that Zambia does seem to have a healthier and more outspoken opposition and civil society.
ReplyDeleteAccording to Phiri, Bishops were accused of being docile towards Chiluba's rule. This was because at that time, there was a more vibrant civil society. The church becomes less robust in tackling injustice when there is a robust civil society.
Well, the bottom line is that there is NO vibrant Civil Society today. It is moribund.
ReplyDeleteWhat used to be founded for noble cause has now become a mare source of income for the few privilaged. As opposed to be doing what they ought to, they are busy attending workshops and taking coffee in their offices.
ReplyDelete