South African bishop speaks out against condoms
July 16, 2012
A bishop in South Africa, where estimates of the HIV infection rate range as high as 22%, says that condoms are not a solution to the AIDS epidemic.
“I think the international community is always arrogant toward us Africans,” says Bishop Xolelo Thaddaeus Kumalo of Eshowe, a town of 5,000 in Zululand, which is located in the eastern part of the nation. “They come with readymade solutions. They don’t ask. They know what is right for us as Africans and the condoms are part of that arrogance.”
“I think because people, in their minds, they think that condoms prevent the sickness,” he added. “It helps spread it because every young person, even those who are not aware of sexual activity, is taught in the school about this condom in sexual education. They try it and that is why you still have a high rate of people being infected with this AIDS epidemic.”
In his wide-ranging interview with Where God Weeps, Bishop Kumalo also spoke about the scourge of corruption, the challenges posed by inculturation, and the state of South Africa after apartheid.
“That each person, each nation must try to find Jesus” is the “greatest need,” Bishop Kumalo emphasized.
“Our greatest need at the moment in the Church is evangelization,” he said. “In the end if people are connected to Jesus most of the [problems], most of the corruption, most of the violence will disappear.”
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