Prelate tells South African Catholics to stay out of xenophobic mobs

Published: 2008-05-19

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (CNS) -- Archbishop Buti Tlhagale of Johannesburg has forbidden Catholics in his archdiocese to be involved in attacks against foreigners that have left more than 20 people dead and dozens injured. "Everyone who takes a step in a march in a township to protest 'foreigners' is taking a step closer to hell," said Archbishop Tlhagale, president of the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference, in a May 15 statement. Noting that the Ten Commandments "extend to our treatment of foreigners," Archbishop Tlhagale said "attacks on those who were not born in South Africa are a cause of real shame and concern." Up to 1,000 people are seeking shelter at police stations in Alexandra, a township in northern Johannesburg, where the violence began May 11 following a community meeting to address social problems in the area, reported the U.N.'s IRIN news agency. The attacks occurred mostly in townships in Gauteng province, which includes Johannesburg.

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