Respect for Cultures Must Go Hand in Hand with Human Dignity, SVD Bishops Told in Angola

Bishop António Francisco Jaca told members of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) that respect for cultural diversity must include solidarity, respect for life, and the rejection of practices that violate human dignity. Speaking during the closing Mass of a meeting for SVD bishops serving in Africa, the Bishop of Benguela addressed the gathering at the Shrine of Our Lady of Fátima in the Archdiocese of Huambo on Tuesday, October 13.

Bishop Jaca urged bishops, priests, religious brothers and sisters, and lay faithful to ensure that cultural differences serve as opportunities for mutual learning and fraternity rather than reasons for exclusion or discrimination. He stated that while culture is a vital part of identity, belonging to a specific culture should not become a basis for social obstacles. He called for the promotion of healthy social relations to ensure that practices contrary to human dignity do not hinder the development of communities.

The meeting, held from October 12 to 13, was the first gathering of SVD bishops serving in Africa to be hosted in Angola. The event brought together bishops ministering in various African countries.