Leading African cardinal mourns loss of faith in Europe, North America

February 24, 2010

In an interview published in the February 24 edition of L’Osservatore Romano, the new president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace denounced “toxic elements of foreign cultures such as relativism and atheistic secularism” that are plaguing Africa.

Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, who hails from Ghana, added that the Church in Africa laments the loss of faith in Europe and North America, from which missionaries had once left to preach the Gospel. Feeling “filial mercy” towards their “ancestors in the faith,” African bishops believe they “must support the Church in the lands of origin of the missionaries” and send priests to prevent parish closings in the West.

In his wide-ranging interview, Cardinal Turkson also denounced political corruption and environmental degradation and expressed concern that the introduction of genetically modified seeds, while “slightly” increasing crop yields, would make African farmers dependent upon the “will of multinational corporations.”

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• A colloquio con il cardinale Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson: Pace e giustizia in Africa esigono il rispetto del creato (L’Osservatore Romano)