Reconciliation yes, but truth first

ocial justice, giving tacit approval to whatever government is doing. That would be a denial of the truth. Reconciliation cannot be based on a lie. It will not last. Truth will be out eventually.

“When the church leaders start being political we regard them as political creatures – and we are vicious in that area,” Mugabe said.

You don’t threaten people if you want unity and reconciliation, even though it is true: they are vicious.
The Church does not compete for political power and is no rival to government. They need not be afraid. But the Church is concerned about the powerless and must stand by the ordinary people, neglected and pushed aside by those in power. If that is being political, so be it.

The President asked the Church to work with government for the economic recovery of the country. The Church is not a profit-making enterprise or an industrial corporation. It has no economic power. It is a moral power. Is government prepared to listen? The Church’s advice is simple, thousands of years old: “Do not kill. Do not commit adultery. Do not steal. Do not give false witness. Do not set your heart on your neighbour’s house.” (Exodus 20; Ten Commandments).

Honesty would make a vast difference to our economy, corrupted by greed. Respect for people, their lives, their rights, their freedom, their dignity and integrity would change this country beyond recognition. – Jesuit Communications