Affirm Dignity of Human Beings, LWF Encourages South African Churches

(LWI) - The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) General Secretary Rev. Martin Junge expressed  “dismay and pain” about the xenophobic attacks in South Africa mostly targeting other Africans living there and foreign-owned business.

In a letter to the LWF member churches within the Lutheran Communion in Southern Africa (LUCSA), Junge said there is no justifiable reason or explanation for such violence.

At least seven people are reported to have died in the April attacks on foreigners and foreign-owned property in South Africa.

Junge said the “dignity of every human being regardless of their origin is the basis to affirm that such manifestations of violence are inacceptable and must be rejected.” He said problems caused by poverty and marginalization “have much deeper roots” than the presence of foreigners and therefore require a political approach.

He encouraged the LUCSA churches to offer “strong and clear messages” that reject violence and advocate for living together in community with respect for the dignity and justice of every human being.

LUCSA is a sub-regional LWF body made up of 17 autonomous Lutheran churches including 13 LWF member churches in 10 Southern African countries.