CNS STORY: Synod raises concerns about development practices, US archbishop says

SYNOD-GREGORY Oct-12-2009 (360 words) With photos. xxxi

Synod raises concerns about development practices, US archbishop says

By John Thavis
Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The main U.S. representative at the Synod of Bishops for Africa said he's heard primarily positive comments about the United States, along with some serious concerns about respecting African sovereignty, traditions and environment.

"I would say the overwhelming sentiment among African bishops is very positive toward the United States," said Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory of Atlanta.

At the same time, he told Catholic News Service Oct. 9, some of the African participants have expressed apprehension about the behavior of major international companies -- many based in the United States -- that are exploring and commercially developing Africa's natural resources.

The African bishops want the United States to use its global power and influence prudently, Archbishop Gregory said.

"We cannot go into nations and disregard their sovereignty, disregard their rights as nations in the world community. We cannot go there and be unaware of the footprint that we leave there as we pursue our business and commercial ventures," he said.

He said African church leaders expect the international companies that explore and claim African resources to do so in ways that "are just to the people and respectful of the environment."

In general, the archbishop said, African bishops "welcome the benefits that we as Americans can bring to Africa."

At the same time, he said, they want the United States and the rest of the West to know that they belong to nations that have their own "traditions and cultures and moral visions," and a way of life that they have a right to preserve.

Archbishop Gregory said the synod was not just pointing fingers at outside countries on the issue of economic injustice. The African bishops have acknowledged that corruption, exploitation and the misuse of natural resources occur among their own government and business communities, he said.

He said the African synod was important for U.S. Catholics in part because the "stunning" church growth in Africa was a significant development in the universal church. It's important for the church in the United States to be in touch with the African church communities as they wrestle with pastoral problems and strategies for the future, he said.

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