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THLAGALE-CORRUPTION Feb-11-2008 (270 words) xxxi
Archbishop says corruption endemic in some African countries
By Catholic News Service
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (CNS) -- Corruption is endemic in some African countries, where "the lifestyle of those in positions of responsibility is characterized by unbridled greed," said Archbishop Buti Tlhagale of Johannesburg, president of the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference.
"In some African countries, 50 years after the declaration of independence from colonial rule, there is economic stagnation and lack of political reform," Archbishop Tlhagale said, noting that "leaders fight fiercely for political power."
In South Africa, "criminals hold the rule of law in contempt and spread terror among ordinary law-abiding citizens," while there is political violence in Chad, Kenya and Sudan and "thousands flee economic hardships in Zimbabwe," he said at a Feb. 10 Mass in Regina Mundi Church.
The Mass was attended by delegates of an international conference hosted by the German Catholic relief agency Misereor.
"The upshot of these conflicts is a stifling oppression that gives rise to the displacement of people, ill-fed, inhumanely treated and deprived of any meaningful say in managing their own livelihood," Archbishop Tlhagale said.
"Some African leaders have no sense of shame. They are consumed by greed for political power," he said.
"Such attitudes contradict the Gospel message of love of neighbor, of taking the side of the poor," he said.
"It is this ethical-moral deficit that has plunged our continent into a vicious cycle of stagnation and retrogression," Archbishop Tlhagale said, noting that "development and self-reliance clothe people with dignity."
The quality of church leadership -- lay and clergy -- will be measured by their effective response to this situation, he said.
END
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