Church is anti-African

I FIND it very sad that Africans are still exposing themselves to unnecessary embarrassments (“Racism shock in Catholic Church”, March 13).

Anglicans and Catholics have for many years enjoyed the exclusivity of being the representatives of England and Rome in South Africa. Their “organised” church sessions are deeply rooted in perceptions and ideologies that hold no interest for African people.

Most white priests look down on our traditional ways of worshipping through our ancestors, yet expect us to listen to their stories about the Jewish ancestors.

The findings of racism within the Catholic Church are a wake-up call to Africans. We need to realise that we have been singing other people’s songs for years.

We have been seeking acceptance where it is impossible and we must come to terms with the fact that, no matter how white we long to be, reality will still remind us that we have nothing but Africa, Africans and Africanism to love and embrace. — Motsumi oa Mphirime, Boksburg