The Christian albeit Catholic world received a deserved New Year present from Africa. It is the present of theological orthodoxy and orthopraxis, with intergenerational implications. The background to this African testimony of maturity is the recent decision by the Vatican directing bishops/priests to bless homosexuals and lesbians in relationships. There's only one valid relationship in the church, marriage between one man and one woman.
If anyone was seeking for a credible sign of theological
& spiritual compromise of Catholic leadership, look no further. Instead of
seeking the Holy Spirit on biblical authority, trusting the Eucharist aligned
with sacred tradition, worship is devolved to mere man to crush his maker in
the name of progress. Just peruse the quality of post-announcement damage
control by Dicastery for the Doctrine of Faith.
You wonder what motivated this decision. A single reason,
absence of faith in Jesus the Christ. 2000+ years testimony is rejected and
despised. Such a radical departure from orthodox teaching should have
considered a number of points including (a) reactions from Catholics in the
Global majority (b) reaction of other Christians in the Global majority (c) the
position of Orthodox Catholics (d) position of Muslims (e) position of global
believers in all religions, cultures and creeds. Christian unity and
inter-religious dialogue are seriously harmed.
That decision reflects European and North American church
leadership intransigence, and their overthrow of faith to elevate pride. This decision
aligned with Atlantic geopolitical currents validates the position that
religion isn't a variable of importance. A final gesture to secularisation and
flourishing ode to enlightenment! These views assert that for them God is indeed dead. Faith in Jesus left Europe long ago.
Then rose African bishops in solidarity and unanimity to reject
the decree boldly declaring that they refuse
to implement it in their dioceses based on biblical authority, sacred tradition
and demand of indigenous religio-spiritual authenticity. Faithful pastors who
know their faith, missions and constituencies! This is a brilliant sign with
huge potentials for replication in other spheres of African endeavour. A first!
This decision destroys in a single strike the attitude of
Africans Catholics to Vatican with proverbial 'yes father'. The pendulum has
swung, true faith is outside of Europe and North America. There's little
Christianity to learn from these spaces and from such cultures. Interestingly,
the Vatican decision confirmed a recurring Marian apparitions warning of
division among bishops and cardinals on orthodoxy and orthopraxis. Pope Paul VI
warned about Satan in the high places.
I hope and pray for African faithful to keep up the
determination and tenacity implicitly demanded by this new defence of the faith
on the world stage. In the meantime prayerful celebration is worthwhile in
Africa and among Africans.
