South African bishops denounce public corruption

October 31, 2013

Corruption in government is tantamount to “theft from the poor,” the Catholic bishops of South Africa have said in a pastoral letter.

The South African Bishops’ Conference (SABC) say that corruption diverts money from campaigns that could help the poor, and leads to cynicism and distrust of government. “When bribery becomes a way of life for civil servants, business people or church personnel,” the SABC says, “their real responsibilities are put aside in pursuit of making money for themselves.”

While lamenting that corrupt practices are widespread in the public sector, the South African bishops also call for the elimination of corruption in private business, and acknowledge the need to root out corruption in church ministries.

 

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Further information:

• Bishops of Southern Africa: Corruption is theft from the poor (Vatican Radio)